Fluminense Clash with Ulsan HD: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups
Legendary Brazilian club Fluminense are seeking their inaugural victory in the Club World Cup as they prepare to take on South Korean team Ulsan HD.
Manager Renato Gaúcho's squad came agonizingly close to defeating Borussia Dortmund in their tournament opener and felt frustrated to settle for just a point. Given the substantial Brazilian supporter presence throughout this competition, the MetLife Stadium atmosphere might mirror a Fluminense match at their beloved Maracana.
Ulsan HD suffered defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in their first outing, controlling merely 36% of the ball and lacking inventiveness in attacking areas. Despite demonstrating some defensive resilience, they remain significant underdogs for Saturday's encounter.
Since both clubs desperately require a victory to enhance their prospects of advancing to the elimination phase, neither side can afford the conservative approach they adopted in their Club World Cup opener.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of this Club World Cup encounter.
What Time Does Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD Kick-Off?
Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive fixture between Fluminense and Ulsan HD.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Fluminense | Ulsan HD |
|---|---|
Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund - 6/17/25 | Ulsan HD 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns - 6/17/25 |
Internacional 0–2 Fluminense - 6/2/25 | Jeonbuk Hyundai 3–1 Ulsan HD - 5/31/25 |
Fluminense 2–0 Once Caldas - 5/29/25 | Gwangju FC 1–1 Ulsan HD - 5/28/25 |
Fluminense 2–1 Vasco da Gama - 5/24/25 | Ulsan HD 3–2 Gimcheon Sangmu - 5/24/25 |
Aparecidense 1–4 Fluminense - 5/21/25 | Gangwon FC 1–1 Ulsan HD - 5/17/25 |
How to Watch Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN |
Fluminense Team News
Gaúcho's squad suffered significant injury setbacks before the tournament began, losing defensive midfielder Otávio and talented Venezuelan international Yeferson Soteldo, with only the latter having a slim possibility of featuring in the summer competition.
Nevertheless, Fluminense delivered an impressive debut performance against what appeared to be their most challenging group stage opponent. The Rio De Janeiro club demonstrated their defensive solidity with iconic center-back Thiago Silva anchoring the backline alongside promising Juan Freytes.
John Arias remained relatively subdued throughout the opening fixture and will aim to make a greater contribution this time. On the opposite flank, Uruguayan international Agustín Cannobio's speed could prove crucial in unlocking Ulsan's defensive structure.
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Ulsan HD
Fluminense Predicted Lineup vs. Ulsan HD (4-3-3): Fabio; Xavier, Silva, Freytes, Renê; Nonato, Hércules, Martinelli; Arias, Cannobio, Everaldo
Ulsan HD Team News
The South Korean outfit has encountered a difficult period at an unfortunate moment, securing victory in only one of their previous five matches across all competitions.
Even prior to the tournament's commencement, the Tigers were anticipated to finish at the bottom of their group and now face a challenging task to avoid fulfilling those pre-tournament predictions.
Brazilian striker Erick Farias has emerged as a standout performer since joining the club in March, netting nine goals in 16 appearances. He will shoulder the primary attacking burden alongside strike partner and South Korean international Won-Sang Um.
Swedish fullback Gustav Ludwigson will be tasked with containing Arias in what promises to be the most captivating individual battle on the field, though he will likely receive assistance from team captain Young-Gwon Kim, who boasts 112 senior international appearances for South Korea.
Ulsan HD Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense
Ulsan HD Predicted Lineup vs. Fluminense (4-4-2): Jo; Trojak, Seo, Kim, Ludwigson; Lee, Jung, Bojanić, Ko; Um, Farias
Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD Score Prediction
Fluminense demonstrated superior quality compared to Borussia Dortmund in Group F's opening match and will be eager to maintain CONMEBOL's impressive tournament showing with their maiden victory.
Ulsan HD's recent performances suggest they will struggle to create significant offensive threats against such a robust defensive unit. El Flu will dominate possession and create the majority of scoring chances, with the key question being how long the Tigers can maintain their defensive resolve.
Ultimately, while Fluminense may not be the most formidable Brazilian representative in the competition, they possess sufficient quality to overcome a team that has proven to be among the tournament's weaker sides. Arias and Cannobio both find the target as Fluminense move closer to the round of 16.
Prediction: Fluminense 2–0 Ulsan HD