It was like a sauna
Borussia Dortmund manager Nico Kovac compared Cincinnati’s condition to the sauna, and his team won 4-3 in Mamelody Sundown this afternoon.
Lunchtime kickoff in Ohio saw 30c heat and humidity drain and Dortmund drain the moisture, allowing the replacement to be seen in the dressing room instead of sitting outside.
Our submarines saw the first half from inside the locker room to avoid the burning sun at TQL Stadium. 🥵 #fifacwc pic.twitter.com/5gytmer1fq
– Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) June 21, 2025
Jobe Bellingham was one of the scorers as the Bundesliga side did enough to beat the Plucky South African opposition.
We win and continue – Kobak
But Kovac is simply pleased to have overcome it on his side at the top of Group F ahead of tonight’s match between Fluminense and Ulsan.
He said: “I stood on the touchline and sweated like I was coming out of the sauna.
“We certainly didn’t play the best game, but that was impossible today. We win and we’ll continue.”
45’ooobe Message!@BVB Double the lead just before the break!
Please take a look @fifacwc | June 14th – July 13th | All Games | Free | https://t.co/i0k4eutwwb | #fifacwc #The CookTheworld #msubvb pic.twitter.com/7amq9yswzy
– Dazn Football (@daznfootball) June 21, 2025
Bellingham stole the headline – despite him being almost silent, he was nominated as the man in the match.
They were really good – praise Mamelody
And he praised the sunset. He never gave up and caused some slow nerves by reverting the score to within one when Levo Moshiba scored in the 90th minute.
Bellingham said: “They were really good. They should be really proud of themselves.
“I’m happy we’ve won, but for me there’s still a lot to improve, both personally and for the team.”
Bellingham’s goal continued with nice control of his chest and well-running shots after running late to the box.
“I practiced this a lot,” he added.
“If you can provide this kind of goal throughout the season, you’re on the right track.”
Dortmund will be a clash with Ulsan on Wednesday.