Age is just a number. And even though nobody can argue with this popular saying, the theoretical battle between youth and experience never stops, especially in sports. Is it better to have a squad full of young, enthusiastic players or packed with “old hands” whose maturity can often prevail?Well, the answer is usually somewhere in between, as the “golden mean” and the balance are key.However, tonight’s FIFA Club World Cup match between Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense will once again pit youth and experience against each other.CWC: Benfica’s two Argentinians spoil Boca’s party in a festival of goals and redsOn the one hand, the BVB are the fourth youngest crew in the tournament, with an average age of 24.8, and the possibly new big thing in European football – Jobe Bellingham.The 19-year-old has yet to debut for Dortmund, though he won’t await it tonight, at least not in the starting lineup. Namely, Borussia manager Niko Kovac claimed in the pre-match press conference that the younger of the Bellingham brothers would start on the bench and expressed tremendous respect towards the rivals, putting them in the group of teams that will fight for the title, although that sounds a bit exaggeratedly.Niko Kovac on Jobe Bellingham:”He won’t play from the start against Fluminense. Because I don’t think that one week is enough for him to internalise all our procedures and principles. But he will get his minutes over the course of the tournament.”🗞 @RNBVB#BVB— BVB Newsblog (@bvbnewsblog) June 17, 2025 Still, the Croat’s respect is well-earned, as Fluminense arrived in the USA as the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners and the fourth oldest crew in the competition, with an average age of 28.4.Moreover, the two oldest players in the tournament come from Flu’s ranks – the 44-year-old custodian Fabio, who is the second appearance-maker in the history of football, and the renowned 40-year-old centre-back Thiago Silva, a former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea defender.Fabio appreciation post 👏Oldest player at the FIFA Club World Cup (44-years-old) ✅1374 career games 🤯Second most appearances in the history of football ⚽️And still performing at the highest level for @FluminenseFC.Absolute Legend 🇧🇷Catch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July… pic.twitter.com/Ur1SssXvZw— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 16, 2025 Apart from the two, Fluminense’s predicted starting lineup is expected to involve three more players over 30 – right-back Samuel Xavier (35), striker Everaldo (33), and the legendary Paulo Henrique Ganso (35).In prospect, the Bundesliga side is the favourite, but Flu’s warriors should never be underestimated.FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025Matchday 1SundayAl Ahly Cairo – Inter Miami 0-0Bayern Munich – Auckland City 10-0 (6-0)/Coman 6, 21, Boey 18, Olise 20, 45+3, Muller 45, 89, Musiala 67, 73 pen, 84/PSG – Atletico Madrid 3-0 (2-0)/Ruiz 19, Vitinha 45+1, Mayulu 87/MondayPalmeiras – Porto 0-0Botafogo – Seattle 2-1 (2-0)/Jair 28, Igor Jesus 44 – Roldan 75/MondayChelsea – Los Angeles 2-0 (1-0)/Neto 34, Fernandez 79/TuesdayBoca Juniors – Benfica 2-2 (2-1)/Merentiel 21, Battaglia 27 – Di Maria 45+3 pen, Otamendi 84/Flamengo – Esperance 2-0 (1-0)/De Arrascaeta 17, Araujo 70/19:00: (6.75) Fluminense (4.30) Dortmund (1.55)22:00: (1.60) River Plate (3.90) Urawa RD (6.00)Wednesday00:55: (2.90) Ulsan (3.15) Mamelodi (2.55)04:00: (5.90) Monterrey (4.00) Inter Milan (1.58)19:00: (1.07) Manchester City (13.0) Wydad Casablanca (25.0)22:00: (1.33) Real Madrid (5.90) Al Hilal (9.50)Thursday00:55: (2.85) Pachuca (3.35) Salzburg (2.50)04:00: (12.0) Al Ain (6.50) Juventus (1.22)***odds are subject to change***
