Soccer
Fluminense bank point to secure progress
Fluminense FC have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ knockout phase after battling out a tense goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns FC in Miami.
The Brazilian side needed a point to book their place in the last 16 and they successfully shut out Sundowns, who required victory to extend their stay in the USA. Fluminense have advanced as Group F runners-up, with Borussia Dortmund beating Ulsan HD in the section’s other fixture on Wednesday to secure top spot.
Sundowns created the best opportunity of the early stages at Hard Rock Stadium, with Tashreeq Matthews racing in on goal and forcing a superb one-handed save from Fabio.
Clear chances were few and far between throughout the first half, though, with Jhon Arias going closest for Fluminense when his drive flashed just wide.
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The woodwork then denied German Cano close to the hour mark. He improvised brilliantly to meet Arias’ cross on the volley, but his shot cracked against the bottom of the post.
With a draw enough for Fluminense, they were content to get men behind the ball as Sundowns chased a winner. The South African champions, however, failed to build up a head of steam and struggled to create any meaningful opportunities.
Fluminense will face the winners of Group E in Charlotte on Monday.
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What they said...
"It is an incredible moment for me, for the team, for the fans, for our country. We have four Brazilian teams in the Round of 16 so the feeling is amazing. We have to enjoy it now, rest a bit but enjoy this moment because it is unique for the history of the club. For us it is not a surprise (that the four Brazilian teams did so well at the Club World Cup) because already knew our level of play, our quality. This tournament gives us an opportunity to show the quality of the Brazilian championship.
Nonato, Fluminense midfielder
"We have played some of the most beautiful football in this tournament. The story of this game is the goal we didn’t score in the first 20 or 25 minutes. But we kept the intensity and the quality. I’m so proud of my boys. I’m so proud of the club. "
Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns coach
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Ignacio (Fluminense)
