In a significant upset at the FIFA Club World Cup, Brazilian champions Fluminense delivered a stunning 2-0 victory over UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan in the Round of 16. The decisive win at Bank of America Stadium propels Flu into the quarterfinals, where they are now set to face the winner of the clash between Manchester City and Al Hilal.
This triumph marks a huge landmark for Fluminense, showcasing the quality of South American football on the global stage. For Inter Milan, the defeat adds further salt to the wounds of what has been a challenging season, culminating in their elimination from the prestigious tournament.
Early Strike and Late Clincher Seal Fluminense’s Historic Win
Fluminense, under coach Renato Gaúcho, adopted a tactically astute approach, surprising Inter Milan with a three-at-the-back defensive strategy designed to mirror their opponents. This humility and discipline paid off almost immediately.
- 3rd Minute – Germán Cano’s Opener: Fluminense got off to a dream start. A slightly deflected cross from Jhon Arias found Germán Cano, who, with a clinical header, put the ball between Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s legs to give Flu a shock early lead. At 37 years and 179 days, Cano also became the oldest scorer in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Despite Inter Milan dominating possession (68%) throughout the match and outshooting their Brazilian counterparts 16-11, they struggled to break down Fluminense’s well-organized defense. Inter’s frustration mounted as they hit the woodwork and were denied by crucial saves from Fluminense’s veteran goalkeeper Fábio. Lautaro Martínez, in particular, had a point-blank shot hit the upright in the second half, a moment that epitomized Inter’s bad luck on the day.
As Inter pushed desperately for an equalizer in the dying minutes, Fluminense delivered the final blow.
- 90+3 Minute – Hercules Seals the Victory: Substitute Hercules pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a composed, low finish into the bottom right corner, securing the 2-0 win and sending the Fluminense faithful into delirium.
Fluminense’s captain, Thiago Silva, expressed immense pride in his team for overcoming such a formidable opponent in challenging, sweltering conditions.
Inter Milan’s Season of Disappointment Continues
For Inter Milan, this Club World Cup exit is another bitter pill to swallow in a season that has fallen short of expectations. Despite reaching the UEFA Champions League final (where they suffered a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain) and finishing second in Serie A, the Nerazzurri have failed to secure any major silverware.
The frustration within the Inter camp was evident, with captain Lautaro Martínez publicly criticizing his teammates after the loss: “Whoever wants to stay, stay; whoever does not want to stay should go. I have seen a lot of things that I didn’t like. I want to win.” New head coach Cristian Chivu, appointed after their Champions League final defeat, supported Martínez’s harsh assessment, acknowledging that “it wasn’t our day.”
Inter’s 2024-25 season saw them finish second in Serie A, reach the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, and finish as runners-up in the Supercoppa Italiana. Their inability to convert chances and break down Fluminense’s disciplined defense highlights a recurring issue that has plagued them this season.
What’s Next: Fluminense Eyes Quarter-Final Glory
Fluminense’s impressive victory means they join fellow Brazilian club Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. They will now prepare to face either Manchester City or Al Hilal on Friday, July 4th, in Orlando, Florida. If Manchester City progresses, it would set up a rematch of the 2023 Club World Cup final, which City won 4-0.
This win is a significant validation for Fluminense and South American football, proving their ability to compete and triumph against Europe’s elite. For Inter Milan, it’s a stark reminder of the need for introspection and significant changes to turn their fortunes around.
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