From the fervent fan support in the stands to the impressive on-field performances, Brazilian clubs have made a strong impression at the tournament. And the excitement shows no signs of stopping.
 |
Fluminense players and fans celebrate after their 2-0 victory over Inter Milan in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium, North Carolina, USA on 30/6/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Fluminense players and fans celebrate after their 2-0 victory over Inter Milan in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium, North Carolina, USA on 30/6/2025. Photo: Reuters
At Bank of America Stadium on 30/6, Fluminense matched Inter Milan in a closely contested game. The Brazilian side had 11 shots with 4 on target, compared to Inter's 16 shots and 4 on target.
The upset came early in the 3rd minute. Jhon Arias’s cross from the right wing deflected off Alessandro Bastoni and looped into the Inter penalty area. German Cano, unmarked, met the ball with a header from close range, sending it through Yann Sommer's legs.
Fluminense sealed the victory in the third minute of stoppage time. Hercules intercepted the ball, drove into the box, and unleashed a left-footed shot across Sommer into the far corner, making it 2-0.
 |
Hercules celebrates his goal. Photo: Reuters |
Hercules celebrates his goal. Photo: Reuters
The Brazilian club had another goal disallowed in the 39th minute after a well-worked aerial play inside the penalty area. The ball went over the heads of two Fluminense players before Ignacio put it into the net from close range. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
The 2-0 result sets up a quarter-final clash for Fluminense against either Man City or Al Hilal. They are the second Brazilian team to reach the quarter-finals, joining Palmeiras, who will face Chelsea.
 |
Stefan de Vrij shoots wide from close range. Photo: Reuters |
Stefan de Vrij shoots wide from close range. Photo: Reuters
Inter could only blame themselves for their poor finishing. Under new manager Cristian Chivu, they squandered several clear chances, including Lautaro Martinez hitting the post from inside the box, Federico Dimarco's free-kick inches wide of the net, and Stefan de Vrij shooting wide from less than 5 meters out.
Earlier this year, Inter had been on course for a potential quadruple. However, they ended the season empty-handed, losing the Italian Super Cup final, exiting the Italian Cup in the semi-finals, surrendering the Serie A title to Napoli, suffering a 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, and now making an early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup.
Hong Duy
