Fluminense secured a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 win over Saudi giants Al-Hilal in Orlando. The Brazilian side, considered underdogs heading into the tournament, continued their remarkable run with a performance filled with resilience, flair, and determination.
The match began on an emotional note as players and fans observed a minute’s silence in memory of Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva, who tragically passed away in a car crash.
On the pitch, Fluminense took the lead in the 40th minute. João Cancelo’s failure to clear the ball allowed Gabriel Fuentes to pounce, calmly laying it off to Matheus Martinelli. The midfielder delivered a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Martinelli, however, was later booked and will miss the semi-final, a significant blow for his team.
Al-Hilal almost equalized before the break when Kalidou Koulibaly rose high to meet a cross, forcing Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio into a spectacular save. Using his left hand, Fabio kept his side ahead heading into half-time.
The second half started brightly for Al-Hilal. Koulibaly again made an impact, heading the ball into the box where it struck Marcos Leonardo. The forward regained his balance and swiftly slotted the ball home, levelling the score at 1-1 in the 51st minute.
Just minutes later, Al-Hilal thought they had earned a penalty after Samuel Xavier appeared to trip Leonardo inside the box. However, following a VAR review, the incident was deemed a case of normal football contact, and the referee reversed the decision.
Fluminense responded with intent. German Cano had a golden opportunity to put his team back in front after breaking free, but instead of shooting, he attempted to dribble around goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who managed to thwart the chance.
The decisive moment came in the 70th minute. Hércules, who had replaced Martinelli, showcased quick feet and sharp composure. Taking a clever touch into the area, he fired low into the bottom corner, restoring Fluminense’s lead and sending their fans into raptures. Hércules had also scored in the previous round and once again proved to be the difference-maker.
Despite Al-Hilal’s efforts to mount a comeback, Fluminense held firm, with their defence and goalkeeper Fabio standing tall. The Brazilian side will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Palmeiras and Chelsea, with a place in the final on the line.
This victory not only highlights Fluminense’s impressive form but also the belief and unity within the squad as they continue their unexpected but deserved journey in the tournament.
