Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FIFA Club World Cup match.
Fluminense and Ulsan Hyundai currently sit third and fourth in their group, respectively. On paper, the Brazilians are in a far stronger position to advance to the round of 16 at the Club World Cup.
Fluminense
Much of this is due to the fact that Fluminense have already faced what is arguably their toughest group-stage opponent in Borussia Dortmund. While the match ended in a goalless draw, the Brazilian team registered twice as many shots as Borussia Dortmund (14-7). However, their finishing left room for improvement, with only three of those efforts hitting the target, compared to five from Borussia Dortmund. Matches involving Fluminense have tended to be low on goals; in the six fixtures leading up to the tournament, just four goals were scored in total. On the defensive front, the Brazilians have been more assured, recording two 2:0 victories in late May and early June.
Ulsan Hyundai
Ulsan Hyundai, one of the two teams initially viewed as outsiders for the play-offs, have conceded just once so far. However, there has been little cause for celebration, as they were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns. That match was their third low-scoring encounter in the last five outings. In K League 1, Ulsan Hyundai rarely score more than two goals in a match, having scored 23 goals and conceded 19 over the course of 19 rounds.
Fluminense vs Ulsan Hyundai Prediction
What appears clear is that this fixture is unlikely to produce many goals. It is also evident that Fluminense hold the advantage and are expected to come away with the win.
