Dortmund boss on what he expects from Sundowns ahead of Club World Cup clash

Sundowns head into the tie as group leaders following a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD of South Korea, while Dortmund were held to a goalless draw by Brazilian side Fluminense. The result places additional pressure on the German outfit, who now face a Sundowns team growing in confidence and form.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kovac admitted that while Dortmund and Fluminense were initially seen as favourites to progress, the Sundowns' recent performances have warranted serious respect.

"As I said at the beginning of the press conference, I think my team and Fluminense are favourites. But in football, you must first play the games and show that you are favourites," Kovac said.

"We've studied Sundowns and understand they recently played in the CAF Champions League final. They are a quality side, tactically strong and physically demanding. You need to be fully prepared when facing African teams. They bring intensity and power, and we'll need to be at our best."

Adding a unique subplot to the match is the presence of Tashreeq Matthews in the Sundowns squad. The 23-year-old winger spent time at Dortmund earlier in his career, joining the club in 2018 and featuring in the UEFA Youth League before stints in the Netherlands and Sweden. He has since found his stride in South Africa and could play a key role against his former club.

A win for Mamelodi Sundowns would not only secure a place in the knockout stages but also mark a significant moment for African club football on the global stage.

With both sides needing a result, Saturday's encounter promises to be a compelling contest between contrasting footballing cultures - and a test of Dortmund's ability to adapt under pressure.