Fluminense has secured a historic 2-0 victory over Italian giants Inter Milan in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Brazilian side, led by the evergreen Thiago Silva, delivered a tactical masterclass to overcome the UEFA Champions League runners-up in a thrilling encounter on Monday, June 30, 2025.
The match, played in the heat of Charlotte, saw Fluminense take an early lead through a opportunistic goal from veteran striker Germán Cano in the 3rd minute. The Argentine forward capitalized on a deflected cross to head the ball past the Inter goalkeeper, sending the Brazilian fans into a frenzy.
Despite Inter Milan dominating possession for large parts of the game, they struggled to break down a resolute Fluminense defense marshaled by the 40-year-old Thiago Silva, who put in a man-of-the-match performance. The former Chelsea and AC Milan star was instrumental in thwarting Inter's attacks, demonstrating his enduring class and experience.
Fluminense sealed their memorable win in the dying moments of the match. A swift counter-attack in stoppage time saw substitute Hércules find the back of the net with a clinical finish, cementing a famous victory for the reigning Copa Libertadores champions.
The win sees Fluminense advance to the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament, where they are set to face either Manchester City or Al-Hilal. This victory continues a strong showing for Brazilian clubs in the competition.
Prior to their stunning win against Inter, Fluminense navigated a challenging group stage. They secured their spot in the knockout rounds with a crucial 0-0 draw against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, having earlier defeated Ulsan Hyundai 4-2.
In other news, Fluminense has been active in the transfer market. While a sensational move for Neymar, who reportedly considered a short-term deal to play in the Club World Cup, did not materialize, the club has been linked with several players to bolster their squad for the remainder of the season.
Fluminense's focus will now shift to their upcoming Club World Cup quarter-final clash, as they look to continue their impressive run and vie for global glory. Their domestic campaign in the Brasileiro Série A and Copa do Brasil will resume following the conclusion of the tournament.
