Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the costly mistake committed by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams during their FIFA Club World Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Cardoso’s troops suffered a 4-3 defeat against Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup clash on Saturday afternoon at TQL Stadium Soccer in Cincinnati.
The Brazilians opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Lucas Ribeiro Costa made a solo run and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. However, the German Bundesliga giants swiftly responded, netting four goals. Felix Nmecha capitalised on a misplaced pass from Williams for Dortmund’s equaliser, followed by goals from Serhou Guirassy, Jobe Bellingham, and an unfortunate own goal by Khuliso Mudau.
Despite being down, Masandawana pulled off a big fight with Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba netting in the second-half, attempting to turn the game on its head. Ultimately, BVB held on for a narrow 4-3 victory, securing maximum points.
In the first goal scored by Dortmund, the experienced goalie Williams misplaced his pass, and it fell on the feet of Nmecha, who converted from close range.
WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT RONWEN WILLIAMS’ MISTAKE
Sundowns coach Cardoso has backed Williams, revealing that he also makes mistakes when he chooses the matchday squad.
“Look, playing out of defence is our style and today [Saturday], we made a mistake in a build-up, do you think I have the capacity to complain about this player [Williams]? The Portuguese coach asked.
“Football is a game of mistakes. I make mistakes when I choose players who have to play in a match. So I support my players, and I did that during half-time. Most of my talk was to support the players because how can I penalise a player like Teboho Mokoena who only has the intention of doing well.
“The pressure is too high in these types of games, and mistakes can happen, so I support the boys. In this club, there’s just support and training. How can I build trust if I don’t trust the players when there are mistakes?”
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