In the final matches of Group H yesterday, Dortmund defeated Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 thanks to a goal from Daniel Svensson, while Fluminense drew 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns. With these results, Dortmund topped the group with 7 points, followed by Fluminense with 5. Mamelodi Sundowns (4 points) and Ulsan Hyundai (0) were eliminated.
In Group E, Inter Milan beat River Plate 2-0 with goals from Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni. Monterrey, the Mexican club featuring center-back Sergio Ramos, crushed Japanese representative Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0.
These results mean Inter Milan (7 points) and Monterrey (5 points) advance, while River Plate (4) and Urawa Red Diamonds (0) exit the tournament.
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Francesco Pio Esposito (left) celebrates his opening goal in Inter Milan's 2-0 victory over River Plate in the final Group E match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field, Seattle, USA, 25/6. Photo: *Lanacion* |
10 teams had already qualified for the round of 16: Palmeiras, Inter Miami (Group A), PSG, Botafogo (Group B), Benfica, Bayern (Group C), Flamengo, Chelsea (Group D), Juventus, and Man City (Group G).
Atletico Madrid is the only team eliminated early. The Spanish side finished with 6 points, the same as PSG and Botafogo in Group B, but lost out on head-to-head results.
The final matches in Group H today will determine the remaining two spots. Real Madrid and Salzburg are currently leading with 4 points each, having drawn 1-1 and 0-0 respectively against third-placed Al Hilal. If Real Madrid and Salzburg draw with a score of 2-2 or higher in the final match, they both advance. However, if there is a winner in that match, Al Hilal only needs to defeat Pachuca to qualify.
In Group G, Juventus and Man City secured their places early, both with 6 points and a goal difference of +8. The Italian team is ahead due to scoring one more goal (9 compared to 8). Their final match today will decide the group winner. Juventus only needs a draw, while Man City must win.
Six matches in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 have already been determined. The highlight is a reunion between Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and his former club, PSG. The other five pairings are Palmeiras vs. Botafogo, Benfica vs. Chelsea, Inter Milan vs. Fluminense, Flamengo vs. Bayern, and Dortmund vs. Monterrey.
The remaining two matches will be determined after the final group matches in Groups G and H today. The round of 16 matches will take place from 28/6 to 1/7. The quarter-finals will be held on 4/7 and 5/7. The semi-finals are scheduled for 8/7 and 9/7, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 13/7.
Compiled by Hong Duy
