'Brazilians' savour special game with Brazilians

Mamelodi Sundowns FC are out but they are not down.

The South African side have been eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ after a goalless draw with Fluminense FC at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, having needed a win to reach the Round of 16.

Despite their early exit, the Sundowns have taken huge pride in their performances on the global stage, which included a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD followed by a thrilling 4-3 defeat to the mighty Borussia Dortmund.

"I think we played well in those three games but we are obviously a bit disappointed also because we did not get the result. But I am proud for the boys. We fought until the end," Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners told FIFA.

"I think (Fluminense) came out in the first half to get at least one goal. We managed the game well and I think we had opportunities where could have scored. But unfortunately it did not happen."

What will arguably live longest in the memory was the fixture between a club nicknamed 'The Brazilians' against one of the most historic clubs from Brazil.

The Sundowns secured their iconic moniker thanks to their distinctive yellow and blue kits, which mirror that of the Seleção, as well as the flair and passion with which they play the game.

And although they were eliminated from the Club World Cup, the players celebrated long after the match by dancing on the field, demonstrating the joyous spirit they have shown throughout their time in the USA.

"It is very difficult to play against Fluminese, they are a great team. [But] I am very happy for my team for the experience they had in this competition. We played free, and we played in the same way here as we do in South Africa," Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro told FIFA.

"It is a special game because the Sundowns like Brazil, the country. So it was 'Brazil' against Brazil, and the team was very happy to play Fluminense."

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