Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted with mixed feelings to their 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
Speaking after the seven-goal thriller which was played at the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati in Ohio, Cardoso said he was disappointed by their defeat, but the overall performance by his troops was satisfying.
“I am obviously disappointed to lose in that match because victory could have put us in a better position to proceed to the next stage of the competition. But honestly speaking, the players have pushed themselves to a higher level, displaying their best football skills ever.”
“It is through these quality games and resilience shown by the boys that we will get respect as a club in moving forward,” said the 53-year Portuguese mentor.
Sundowns in the lead
The match last night saw Sundowns opening the scoreline, courtesy of a goal from lethal goal-poacher Lucas Ribeiro. He dribbled past the Dortmund defenders from his half and found the back of the net, this within the first 10 minutes of the proceedings. The other two goals for the Brazilians were scored by Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba late in the second half of the match.
Cardoso has also defended Ronwen Williams, who in his attempt to clear the ball passed it to an opponent. This resulted in Dortmund equalising. “Football is a game of mistakes, and we all make mistakes, so how can I penalise a player who had the intention of winning the game because of one mistake?”
“Ronwen Williams has been outstanding throughout the season without committing mistakes, and I will not be building a player-coach relationship if I bash him for just one mistake,” said Cardoso.
Before their match against Dortmund, the Brazilians were on top of the Group F log standing with three points after beating Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 in their opening match on Wednesday morning. Masandawana have since dropped to third position behind Dortmund and Fluminense.
With their next match on Wednesday, June 25, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami against Fluminense, Cardoso admitted that they were anticipating a tough match. “I must admit, it’s not going to be an easy game, but we will give it our best shot.”
Fluminense beat Ulsan 4-2 in another Group F match.
The Sundowns and Fluminense match will be played simultaneously with the clash between Borussia and Ulsan Hyundai at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati at 3pm.
Should Sundowns lose the match against Fluminense, then they will be in the first flight back home.
