Monterrey, the final representative from Concacaf in this competition, approaches their match against Borussia Dortmund with optimism, particularly after witnessing several unexpected results in the knockout rounds. European heavyweights like Inter and Manchester City have already exited the tournament. Given that Dortmund previously drew against a non-European side, Monterrey will feel confident that another upset could occur on Tuesday.
Monterrey`s defensive line, notably tight throughout the competition, is marshaled by Sergio Ramos. Meanwhile, German Beterame has found his scoring touch at a critical moment for the Mexican club. While Dortmund is generally seen as the favorite to advance, the unpredictability inherent in the Club World Cup is evident, showing that any team is vulnerable if they do not perform optimally. The game will be played indoors at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, removing heat as a factor, yet the potential for an upset remains high.
Match Information
- Date: Tuesday, July 1
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Live Stream: Available on DAZN
- Odds: Borussia Dortmund -120; Draw +250; Monterrey +340
Last Encounter
This upcoming fixture will mark the first official competitive meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey.
Key Player
Sergio Ramos, Monterrey: Brought into the squad specifically to bolster their challenge in the Club World Cup, Ramos has fully justified his inclusion. He has been a bedrock in their solid defense and has even contributed a goal. His performance will be pivotal in Monterrey`s bid to overcome Dortmund in the round of 16. Monterrey`s journey has already been notable, and they are keen to extend it, especially with the intriguing possibility of facing Ramos`s former club, Real Madrid, in a later stage should they win.
Intriguing Storyline
Will the upsets continue? With only three UEFA teams remaining in the final eight, the tournament has already delivered significant surprises. At least one team from outside Europe is guaranteed to reach the semi-finals. Monterrey has a genuine chance to join them, potentially ensuring representation from four different continents in the final four. A core aim of the expanded Club World Cup was to provide teams from diverse regions with the opportunity to compete against the world`s top clubs, and in this regard, the tournament has certainly achieved its goal, offering compelling matchups and unexpected results.
Match Prediction
Expect a hard-fought encounter that is likely to go beyond the standard 90 minutes. Our prediction sees the match ending in a draw after extra time, with Monterrey securing victory in a penalty shootout. Sergio Ramos will be defensively crucial, but it will be German Beterame`s late equalizer that precipitates the dramatic conclusion.
Predicted Outcome: Dortmund 1, Monterrey 1 (Monterrey wins on penalties)
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley