Soccer
Fluminense dream continues thanks to veteran leaders as they book place in the final four
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Fluminense became the first team to book their place in the last four of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Al-Hilal in Orlando.
Substitute Hercules was the matchwinner, who came on for the second half and ended up scoring the winning goal, sending the Brazilians into the semi-finals.
Earlier, Matheus Martinelli's sweet strike had lit up a drab first half, before Marcus Leonardo equalised five minutes after the break.
In the end, though, it was Fluminense who were celebrating and will now play Chelsea or fellow Brazilians Palmeiras in New York next week.
Brazilian soldiers
Hercules may have won the man of the match and scored the goal that sent Fluminense into the last four, but it was their dogs of war in defence that continue to defy the ageing process and inspire their teammates.
40-year-old Thiago Silva was once again a rock at the back, hardly giving Al-Hilal anything and even taking a boot to the face for his troubles. We also saw him barking out orders and encouragement during the water breaks, showing what a leader he has been for this team and their run at the tournament.
Four years his senior, goalie Fabio was again instrumental in the Brazilians' side win, making a string of top saves, most notably from Koulibaly's header in the first half.
They may not have long left of their careers, but they are maximising what's left.
Who's next?
The question now for Fluminense is who's next. After going unbeaten against Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and now Al-Hilal, they won't be afraid of anyone. The semi-final will bring subplots, whichever team prevails tonight in Philadelphia, to set up a clash with the Brazilians.
Either it's another European giant in Chelsea, with skipper Thiago Silva ready to come face-to-face with his old side or possibly more intriguing, a derby day with Palmeiras.
São Paulo vs Rio for a place in the FIFA Club World Cup Final? Yes, please.
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Playing through the pain
A special mention must go to Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, who chose to play just a day after the tragic passing of their international teammate Diogo Jota.
Before the game, a minute's silence was observed for the Liverpool forward, and both Portuguese stars could be seen wiping away tears as they mourned their friend and countryman.
To then go on to play in a big quarter-final tournament match is a testament to what professionals they both are, as they were able to put in solid performances despite clearly still grieving.
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