Thus, Fluminense made history on June 30, 2025, by beating Inter Milan 2-0 in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup. Moreover, the result not only secured a spot in the quarterfinals but also caused a worldwide reaction — with the international press calling the victory one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far.
With goals from Germán Cano and Hércules, the Tricolor of Laranjeiras overcame the European runner-up and, in doing so, reinforced that Brazilian football remains alive and competitive at a high level. The Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte (USA) became the stage for a memorable performance. Therefore, if you missed it, there is still time to watch the highlights: Watch here on DAZN!
The match: Italian pressure, Carioca coolness
From the start, at 3 minutes into the first half, Germán Cano took advantage of a cross that deflected in the area and, with a header, beat goalkeeper Yann Sommer. It was a great goal from a natural striker. Thus, Fluminense opened the score before Inter could organize on the pitch — and that lead made a difference from the beginning.
On the other hand, Inter Milan tried to respond with ball possession but struggled to break through the formation set by Renato Gaúcho. In fact, the Brazilian coach set up Fluminense with three central defenders and gave freedom to Jhon Arias and Samuel Xavier to exploit the wings. The strategy worked very well. Even so, at 39 minutes, Igor Julio scored a goal, but it was correctly disallowed for offside.
Meanwhile, in the second half, the Italian pressure increased considerably. Lautaro Martínez hit the post, Esposito was stopped by a great save from Fábio, and De Vrij missed a clear chance inside the area. Despite Inter’s offensive volume, it was Fluminense who sealed the match at the end. At 48 minutes of the second half, Hércules appeared free in the area and shot low to make it 2-0 and secure qualification.
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Thus, Fluminense’s precision in decisive moments and defensive solidity were the keys to the triumph. Fábio, once again, was giant in goal — with saves that guaranteed the historic victory.
International reaction: from Maracanã to the world
Indeed, the victory resonated strongly in international media. Marca, from Spain, called the result a “colossal surprise.” Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport, from Italy, pointed to Inter’s elimination as “an unexpected blow against the talent and boldness of the Cariocas.” On ESPN International, analysts praised Fluminense’s tactical stance, which “knew how to suffer and was lethal in attack.”
The victory gains even more weight for being against an Inter team that is Champions League runner-up, full of stars and considered one of the favorites to win the Club World Cup. For the Tricolor fans, the dream is more alive than ever.
The coach was praised for his boldness in changing the formation and surprising the opponent. Indeed, the choice of three central defenders and quick transitions on the wings dismantled Inter’s defense at several moments.
Quarterfinals: what’s next
Moreover, with the victory, Fluminense joins Palmeiras as Brazilian representatives in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. Now, the Carioca team will face Al Hilal in the quarters, in a match to be played in Orlando.
Flu will have a few days to prepare but has already shown it can face any giant. Cano is in great form, Arias is a key piece in transitions, and Fábio is a true wall.
So, the question everyone asks is: how far can this Fluminense go?
If you want to follow the next chapter of this campaign, you know it: Watch here on DAZN!
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