Fluminense Turns the Tables: Early Strike Sets the Tone
Most people expected Inter Milan, fresh from their Champions League final run, to breeze past Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. But football loves a twist. Just three minutes into the game, Fluminense stunned everyone. Jhon Arias knocked a cross toward the box, which took a deflection and found Germán Cano. The Fluminense striker wasted no time, heading the ball into the net and sending their Brazilian fans into a frenzy. Inter, clearly rocked, suddenly found themselves chasing the game a lot sooner than they’d ever planned.
Inter tried to respond with possession—controlling a hefty 68% of the ball. They put pressure on Fluminense’s backline, weaving neat patterns and taking aim at goal. But in this game, statistics weren't the story. Inter managed 16 shots to Fluminense’s 11, but their finishing told a different tale. Twice they hit the woodwork, each time drawing groans from their supporters. Players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Nicolò Barella kept feeding the attack, but the killer touch just would not come.
Defensive Heroics and Standout Performers
With time ticking away, Fluminense dug even deeper. Veteran Thiago Silva stood tall at center back, organizing the defense and clearing anything Inter threw his way. His leadership helped keep Lautaro Martínez and Khéphren Thuram unusually quiet. Even when Fluminense made changes, fresh legs like Lima and Ignacio slotted right in. Ignacio even squeezed in a goal himself, but found it ruled out for offside.
It wasn’t all defense, though. Fluminense refused to just sit back and absorb pressure. They chose their moments to break, always keeping Inter honest. In stoppage time, they got their reward. Hércules found himself at the right place at the right time, driving the ball home to put the tie to bed. While Inter’s play was slick, their attack was toothless. Their keeper, Yann Sommer, could do little but watch as his defense failed to deal with Fluminense’s rare but efficient counters.
The ratings after the match told the story. Cano and Hércules earned top marks for taking their chances and keeping the dream alive. Inter’s big names—especially up front—just couldn’t deliver. Hitting the post twice only made the loss tougher to swallow.
This win isn’t just an upset—it’s a statement. For Fluminense, it marks a historic step forward on the world stage, booking them a spot against either Manchester City or Al Hilal in the quarterfinals. Their fans will remember this night for years to come, and Inter will be left wondering how things went so wrong against the underdogs from Brazil.
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