Ulsan HD Eliminated From FIFA Club World Cup Following Fluminense Loss

Ulsan HD’s Club World Cup journey came to an end on Saturday morning (KST) following a 4-2 defeat to Brazilian champions Fluminense at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The K League 1 side, needing a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, bowed out of the expanded competition at the group stage after consecutive defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns and now the Copa Libertadores holders.

Ulsan showed attacking intent and resilience but were ultimately outclassed by the technically superior Brazilians, who took control of the match with a first-half blitz. The Horangi, however, found themselves 2-1 up, and a gilt-edge Um Won-sang chance almost made it 3-1, to leave Kim Pan-gon and his men ruing what might have been, succumbing to late goals that condemned them to an early exit from the competition..

The game began brightly for Ulsan, who pressed high and sought to disrupt Fluminese's rhythm. However, Renato Gaúcho's side quickly settled and began to dominate possession. The match’s first flashpoint came in the 27th minute, when Fluminense midfielder Jhon Arias curled in a stunning free-kick from just outside the box, finding the top corner and giving the Brazilian side a deserved lead.

However, Ulsan responded with conviction. In the 37th minute, a quick break saw Um Won-sang dart down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Lee Jin-hyun, who swept home the equaliser from close range.

Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, Ulsan turned the game on its head. A whipped cross from Lee Jin-hyun found Um Won-sang at the far post, and the winger rose well to head home and give the K League side a 2-1 lead at the break.

Fluminense regrouped after halftime and began to reassert control. The equaliser arrived in the 66th minute when substitute Nonato pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired into the roof of the net.

With momentum swinging back their way, Fluminense reclaimed the lead in the 83rd minute. A well-delivered corner from Germán Cano was met by Juan Pablo Freytes, whose powerful header made it 3-2.

Any hopes of a late Ulsan comeback were dashed in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Keno added a fourth for Fluminense with a well-timed header, sealing the victory and ensuring the Brazilian side’s place in the next round.

The final whistle confirmed Ulsan’s elimination from the group, with no points from two matches. Despite the early exit, the tournament offered valuable lessons for the K League side, who were up against seasoned international opponents and some of South America’s finest talent.

Speaking after the match, Ulsan boss Kim Pan-gon acknowledged the challenge: “We faced a top team and paid the price for small mistakes. But I’m proud of how the players fought, especially in the second half.”

For Fluminense, the win secures top spot in the group and puts them on course to reach the next phase of the competition. For Ulsan HD, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund await on Wednesday (Thursday KST) with pride all that's left to play for.