Fluminense Lacked Composure in Front of Goal, Says Coach Renato Portaluppi After Dortmund Draw

Fluminense's debut in the Club World Cup ended in a goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund, and head coach Renato Portaluppi admitted his side lacked composure when it mattered most.

“We respected the opponent but played offensively the whole time. What we lacked was calmness in finishing, which could have given us the win,” the Brazilian coach said in his post-match press conference at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey.

The reigning Copa Libertadores champions created at least four clear chances against a Dortmund side whose standout performer was Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. “We could’ve left here with three goals, but we faced a great team,” Renato acknowledged.

The match was billed as the key clash of Group F, which also includes South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. Renato praised his squad’s effort: “Many clubs are financially stronger than us. In situations like that, the players’ attitude makes all the difference. Sometimes it doesn’t help to have an expensive team if you think you’ll win just because of your jersey.”

Fluminense's next match is on Saturday, again at Metlife, against Ulsan. Dortmund will face Mamelodi Sundowns the same day in Cincinnati. “There’s not much time before our next game, so we can’t change a lot,” said Portaluppi. “We know it won’t be easy, but my team is in good shape. Maybe we just need to be a bit calmer in front of goal.”