This game did not make Vance a fan
The atmosphere at Borussia Dortmund's Club World Cup matches so far has been as lackluster as their performance. Even the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to the match against Ulsan HD in Cincinnati didn't change that. Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl expects an improvement in the knockout rounds, "in all areas."
The atmosphere at the match between Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan HD was less than overwhelming. IMAGO/Sports Press Photo
Matthias Dersch reports from Cincinnati
It is not known for sure whether JD Vance was a football fan before he attended the Club World Cup match between Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan HD ( 1:0 ) in Cincinnati on Wednesday. Apart from a more or less subtle warning to all foreign fans who want to make the trip to the World Cup in 2026 not to extend their stay in the USA on their own, little has been heard on the subject from the otherwise eloquent US Vice President, who lives in the state of Ohio. The only thing that seems certain is that the 90 minutes he was offered in the TQL Stadium probably did not ignite any passion in him. The level of play between BVB and their South Korean opponents was manageable, and the atmosphere in the arena, which was only one-third full, was lackluster. So it was probably convenient for Vance that he has many acquaintances here with whom he could talk during the game, as he grew up not far from Cincinnati.
Summer kick atmosphere at BVB gamesThe fascination that BVB exudes in Europe when it plays at home in front of the Yellow Wall or brings thousands of fans on tour with it can only be felt sporadically in the USA during the Club World Cup. For example, in the so-called Embassy, which the club opened in a sports bar in the days between the two group matches in Cincinnati. Here, amidst large-format photos from home, fans rave about their BVB. But in the stadiums—both at the first game in New Jersey and twice in Cincinnati—the atmosphere so far has been like that of a summer friendly at the end of a long season.
"It shouldn't be an excuse, but it wasn't the best advertisement for football today," said BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl after the unspectacular 1-0 win over Ulsan HD, recounting a visit from the president of the local FC Cincinnati. He reported that the stadium, filled with a meager 8,239 spectators this time, is usually sold out. The low attendance couldn't have been solely due to the generally difficult situation of football in the USA. Rather, the reformed Club World Cup seems to have not yet reached every American. Not even those interested in soccer. Especially since BVB, despite its popularity, is not in the same league as, for example, non-qualified Manchester United or Liverpool FC, against whom the club played in sold-out stadiums on previous US trips.
"The early kick-off times play a role"Even if no Dortmund fan wants to admit it openly these days, the underwhelming crowd is likely partly responsible for BVB's sluggish performances. When the climatic conditions are as extreme as they are currently in the USA—with pitch temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius—sprints become all the more difficult without anyone there to cheer the players on and subsequently reward them with applause. Instead, in the three BVB games so far, it has at times seemed as if coach Niko Kovac's team were playing in a vacuumed room. A very hot one at that.
"The early kick-off times certainly play a role," Kehl speculated on Wednesday. Firstly, because the sun shines particularly brightly on the pitch, making it difficult for the players. Secondly, because they make it difficult for working people to watch a game without taking a special day off. The BVB sporting director's hopes therefore lie with the knockout round, for which BVB qualified as group winners.
Kehl expects increase "in all areas""The atmosphere will be brighter. The quality and intensity will also be higher," he said, referring to the round of 16 match against Mexican representative CF Monterrey in Atlanta, which will take place on Tuesday at 9 p.m. local time. The BVB team watched the decision about their next opponent together in Fort Lauderdale late Wednesday evening after returning from Cincinnati. For the Black and Yellows, it will be their first duel against the Mexicans – and another completely new challenge that the team will need to grow from.
"I firmly believe that we will take another step forward in every area of this competition, and that it will become even more exciting," Kehl said earlier. That would be a blessing for the fans – but it would also be welcome in terms of Borussia's competitiveness. Because if BVB doesn't want to head home after Tuesday's game, they'll have to continue to improve. Even without the support of the fans, if necessary.
