Soccer
Guirassy and Adeyemi on deadly Dortmund link-up
- Borussia Dortmund beat Monterrey 2-1 to secure spot in Club World Cup last eight
- Serhou Guirassy scored a brace, Karim Adeyemi assisted both goals
- Dortmund will take on Real Madrid in quarter-final on Saturday
Tuesday’s gripping FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ last-16 clash between Borussia Dortmund and CF Monterrey was ultimately settled by two devastating pieces of link-up play.
Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy combined for both Dortmund goals in their 2-1 success, with the latter applying the finishing touches to record a match-winning brace and set up a quarter-final against Real Madrid C.F.
Guirassy’s opening strike was particularly illustrative of the pair’s deep understanding, with the Guinean rifling home after a slick give-and-go with his younger team-mate. The second goal saw Adeyemi utilise his express pace to blaze past the Monterrey backline. The Germany international then slipped a pass into Guirassy’s path, who sent another precision strike beyond goalkeeper Esteban Andrada.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac told FIFA how playing to the duo’s strengths was key to his game plan.
“We played with two strikers, and we also wanted a little bit of speed,” said the Croatian. “We know that Sergio Ramos is 39 years old, he is still a top player, but for sure not as quick as Karim is. This is what we wanted to do (use Adeyemi’s pace). You saw with the second goal, we played the ball long and deep, Karim did a great move and played it to Serhou and he scored. The ambition was to attack the depth (of the field). We did it more in the first half than in the second, but I think the idea was good.”
Guirassy, meanwhile, outlined how the pair’s connection is built on the foundation of friendship.
The 29-year-old said: “Karim is my little brother! On and off the pitch we have a good relationship. Sometimes he is a little bit crazy! He gave me two assists today, so I am very happy.”
Adeyemi, who is six years Guirassy’s junior, explained: “Serhou’s playing style is unique. He is very good at keeping the ball and, of course, scoring goals. This is what helps the whole team. Off the pitch, he doesn’t talk so much, but he is a nice guy. On the pitch, I think we have a good connection. We are very glad to have him and I’m glad when I give him assists.”
Dortmund needed to dig deep to fend off a spirited Monterrey team, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel producing a commanding display to help keep the Mexican side at bay. Kobel paid tribute to Guirassy and Adeyemi for giving the Bundesliga giants the platform to win the game.
“Karim has unbelievable speed and Serhou is a machine in front of the goal,” said the Swiss stopper. “Serhou is a goal-getter. Karim, obviously, can score for himself as well but he is so fast and so dangerous, so a lot of teams have to concentrate on him. That gives Serhou a little bit more space, so I think the combination is nice.”
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As well as Adeyemi's breathtaking pace, the former FC Salzburg star’s work-ethic and intelligent movement also impressed against Monterrey.
Adeyemi opened up on how coach Kovac’s demanding methods have helped take his game to a new level.
“He tries to kick our ass to run every day! For the players, sometimes you may think it’s annoying, but when you go home you think, ‘Yeah, this is for a reason’. It’s difficult but he’s just trying to help us. The most important thing is to be one team and have one spirit. That’s what he tries to give us every day.”
Kovac is convinced there is even more to come from the dazzling young forward.
“Karim is a top player,” he said. “What I expect from him is more deep runs (beyond the defence) because he is so fast. There are not many players in the world who have speed like him. Sometimes he comes short to the ball too often. That’s what I don’t want. The reason I’m always pushing him is because I love him as a player."
With a smile, Kovac added: “He just needs to do what the coach is saying.”
