Fluminense Knockout Al Hilal In Club World Cup Thriller

by · Naija News

Fluminense’s Hercules stepped off the bench to help the Brazilian side overcome a spirited Al Hilal 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The match, held in front of 43,091 fans, offered a classic South American versus Middle Eastern showdown. It started with a touch of heartbreak as the football world paused before kick-off to mourn the tragic death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain.

Fluminense, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, drew first blood in the 40th minute through Matheus Martinelli. The 22-year-old midfielder took advantage of a pass from Gabriel Fuentes to open the scoring.

But Al Hilal, who stunned football fans with their 4-3 victory over English treble-winners Manchester City, would not roll over easily. After the break, they hit back. A Ruben Neves corner was nodded down by Kalidou Koulibaly, allowing Marcos Leonardo to tap home the equaliser.

Then came the moment that changed the night for Fluminense. Hercules, introduced at half-time, was the game changer.

His initial shot was blocked, but he stayed alert. A smart header from Samuel Xavier recycled the loose ball, and the 22-year-old midfielder buried the ball in the back of the net in the 70th minute to make it 2-1.

Al Hilal pressed hard in the closing minutes, forcing a series of corners and throwing bodies forward. But Fluminense, anchored by 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio held firm as Al Hilal’s Club World Cup journey came to an end.

With this win, Fluminense have qualified for the semi-finals and will face Premier League side, Chelsea, who knocked out Brazilian side, Palmeiras in the second quarter-finals match earlier today.