‘The German Nightmare Returns’: Jo Hyeon-woo’s Heroics vs Dortmund and Why Germany Still Fears Him

The Return of ‘The German Nightmare’: Jo Hyeon-woo Faces Dortmund

Did you know? Jo Hyeon-woo, the man who sent Germany crashing out of the 2018 World Cup, once again stood in the way of German football—this time in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. As Ulsan HD faced Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati, the German press was abuzz with warnings about Jo, calling him the ‘Conqueror of Germany’ and urging Dortmund not to underestimate his shot-stopping prowess. Memories of the ‘Miracle of Kazan’—when Jo’s saves led Korea to a historic 2-0 win over Germany—were everywhere, with German outlets like Kicker and OP-Online highlighting the psychological impact Jo still has on German football culture.
From the moment the draw was announced, Dortmund fans and pundits alike circled Jo’s name, recalling the pain he inflicted seven years ago. For many, this wasn’t just another match—it was a chance to exorcise a lingering football trauma.

Ulsan’s Club World Cup Journey: A Tough Group and Early Exit

Ulsan HD entered the 2025 Club World Cup as K League champions and Asian representatives, but the group draw was brutal: facing Brazil’s Fluminense, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund. Despite high hopes, Ulsan lost their first two matches—0-1 to Sundowns and 2-4 to Fluminense—confirming their early exit before the Dortmund showdown. Still, the team’s spirit remained high, with coach Kim Pan-gon and captain Kim Young-gwon (another 2018 hero) vowing to finish strong. The Korean football community, while disappointed, rallied around their team, proud of their fighting spirit on the global stage.
Bloggers and fans on Naver and Daum expressed a mix of regret and pride, with many highlighting the gulf in class but also the importance of representing Korea and Asia at this level.

The Match: Dortmund Dominates, Jo Hyeon-woo Steals the Show

On June 26, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ulsan faced a Dortmund side desperate to secure a knockout spot. The match quickly became a one-sided affair: Dortmund unleashed 28 shots to Ulsan’s 3, dominating possession and territory. But the story of the night was Jo Hyeon-woo. Time and again, he denied Dortmund’s top strikers—including Serhou Guirassy and Pascal Groß—with acrobatic saves. In the first half alone, Jo made 7 crucial stops, including a near-impossible save from a 0.93 xG header just before halftime. By the end, he had racked up 10 saves—the most in a single Club World Cup match this year—keeping the score to a respectable 0-1.
Even Dortmund’s official social media and German commentators paid tribute, with one fan remarking, “It’s like 2018 all over again—he’s still our nightmare.”

German and Korean Media Reactions: Respect and Relief

German media, including Kicker and OP-Online, openly admitted their anxiety about facing Jo, referencing his MVP-worthy 2018 World Cup performance. After the match, headlines praised his ‘highlight reel’ saves, noting that Dortmund could have scored three or four if not for Jo’s heroics. Korean outlets, meanwhile, celebrated Jo’s resilience and leadership, calling him ‘the Guardian of Ulsan’ and a source of national pride. FIFA’s official website also spotlighted Jo as a key player to watch, emphasizing his international reputation and consistency.
Community reactions on DCInside and FM Korea were overwhelmingly positive toward Jo, with comments like “He’s still world-class” and “No shame in losing with a keeper like that.” However, some fans lamented Ulsan’s lack of attacking threat and tactical naivety, suggesting the team relied too heavily on Jo’s brilliance.

Cultural Insight: Why Jo Hyeon-woo is a Korean Football Icon

To understand the hype, international fans need to know Jo’s place in Korean football culture. His performance against Germany in 2018 is legendary—‘the Miracle of Kazan’ is a touchstone moment, replayed every World Cup cycle. Jo’s humility, work ethic, and connection with fans have made him a beloved figure, not just in Ulsan but across the K League and national team. His recent MVP award in the K League, the first for a goalkeeper in 16 years, only cemented his status.
Korean fandom is fiercely loyal, often rallying behind underdogs and celebrating defensive grit as much as flashy attacking play. Jo’s story embodies this ethos: a player who rose from relative obscurity to global fame through sheer determination and spectacular saves.

Fan Community Buzz: Mixed Emotions, Unwavering Support

On Korean forums and blogs, the reaction to Ulsan’s Club World Cup run was nuanced. While some fans were frustrated by the team’s early exit and lack of offensive firepower, the overwhelming sentiment was one of pride in Jo Hyeon-woo’s individual performance. Positive comments dominated, with many calling for Jo to remain the national team’s first-choice keeper and others sharing memes of German fans ‘trembling’ at his name. Negative reactions focused on tactical shortcomings and the need for more investment in K League clubs to compete internationally.
Internationally, Jo’s reputation as ‘the German nightmare’ has only grown, with overseas fans and media acknowledging his world-class abilities. For many, Jo’s story is a reminder that in football, one player’s heroics can capture the imagination of millions—and sometimes, haunt a nation for years.

What’s Next for Jo Hyeon-woo and Ulsan HD?

Though Ulsan’s Club World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Jo Hyeon-woo’s stock has never been higher. With the K League season ongoing and Asian Champions League fixtures ahead, Jo remains a cornerstone for both club and country. His legacy as the man who ‘conquered Germany’ continues to inspire young Korean players and fans alike. And as German teams—and their supporters—have learned once again, you underestimate Jo Hyeon-woo at your peril.