In another stunning result at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Brazilian side Fluminense sent Italian giants Inter Milan crashing out with a 2-0 victory in Charlotte on Monday, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The win marks yet another blow to European dominance in the competition as South American teams continue their strong showing in the U.S.-hosted tournament.
⚽ Match Summary:
- German Cano opened the scoring just three minutes into the game with a poacher’s header through the legs of Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, after a deflected cross from Jhon Arias.
- Despite heavy pressure from Inter in the second half, Fluminense’s defence, marshalled by 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva, held firm.
- In stoppage time, substitute Hercules sealed the win, calmly slotting in a low strike to end Inter’s campaign.
💬 Reactions:
Thiago Silva, Fluminense captain:
“We knew they were not going to be easy opponents. Less than a month ago they were in the Champions League final, but we played really well.”
Jhon Arias, Man of the Match:
“This is not just for Fluminense but for all of Brazil and South America. We are proud of how far we’ve come.”
Cristian Chivu, Inter coach:
Offered no immediate comment, but the mood in the Inter camp was one of shock and frustration after the early exit, compounding their 5-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final just weeks earlier.
🎯 Key Moments:
- 23′ – Ignacio’s second goal ruled out for offside.
- 63′ – Sommer denied Arias with a fingertip save.
- 75′ to 88′ – Inter’s Lautaro Martinez struck the post and was denied twice by Fluminense’s veteran goalkeeper Fabio.
- 90+3′ – Hercules calmly finished to make it 2-0.
- 90+5′ – Federico Dimarco hit the post, confirming it wasn’t Inter’s day.
🌍 A Tournament of Surprises
Fluminense’s victory adds to an impressive streak for South American clubs at this year’s Club World Cup:
- Botafogo beat PSG
- Flamengo defeated Chelsea
- Now Fluminense knock out Inter Milan
They now advance to face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, who earlier eliminated Manchester City in a dramatic 4-3 extra-time thriller.
🔜 Next Fixture:
Quarterfinal: Al Hilal 🇸🇦 vs Fluminense 🇧🇷
📍 Orlando
📅 Friday, July 5, 2025
With Europe’s big guns falling fast, South America and Asia are seizing the Club World Cup spotlight, rewriting the global football narrative one shock at a time.
