In a stunning turn of events at the FIFA Club World Cup, Fluminense and Al Hilal have toppled European giants Inter Milan and Manchester City to advance to the quarterfinals.
Brazil’s Fluminense kicked off their match with a bang, defeating Inter Milan 2–0 in sweltering heat in Charlotte on Monday. Striker German Cano put Fluminense ahead in the third minute, heading in a deflected cross and slipping the ball through goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s legs. Despite relentless efforts, Inter Milan couldn’t find an equalizer, with missed opportunities from Stefan de Vrij and Lautaro Martinez hitting the post. Substitute Hercules sealed the victory in stoppage time, slotting home from the edge of the box.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal pulled off a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Manchester City in Orlando. Marcos Leonardo was the hero for Al Hilal, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the 112th minute. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s stellar first-half performance kept Al Hilal in the game, frustrating the English side’s attacks.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had expressed concerns prior to the match about his team’s lack of rest and the potential impact of the Club World Cup on their upcoming Premier League season. City concluded their English campaign on May 25 and began their Club World Cup journey just over three weeks later on June 18.
Fluminense and Al Hilal will face off in the quarterfinals on Friday in Orlando, setting the stage for an unexpected and thrilling encounter between the South American and Middle Eastern clubs.
