Arthur Sales: Sundowns ready for exciting Fluminense

The Brazilians got their tournament underway with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Korean side Ulsan HD with inform-attacker Iqraam Rayners on target.

But it was an entertaining, narrow 4-3 defeat to German giants Borussia Dortmund that drew praise from across the world that has given Sundowns the belief they can compete with the best.

Lucas Ribeiro had given the South Africans an early lead at the TQL Stadium, and despite finding themselves trailing by three goals with half an hour to play, the Brazilians fought back with an impressive display of resilience and style.

Rayners reduced the deficit with a header and substitute Lebo Mothiba fired home late to leave Dortmund hanging on for the win in the final few minutes of the match.

Fluminense top Group F with four points, ahead of Dortmund, also on four, and Sundowns on three points.

Sales says his team are proud of their achievements at the tournament so far. He said on IOL: "Everyone is very proud. I think we learnt many things because when you play these big teams, you learn about different things. And we will put the new lessons to use for this next game against Fluminense.

"It makes for an exciting match.

"We have good things for playing against them, and I think it is going to be a nice game because both teams like to play with possession. I think it will be a good game.

"I think everyone in the Fluminense team is a good player because they are at a good level to play for Fluminense in the World Cup."