Brazilian giants Fluminense booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals after a hard-fought 2–1 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Thursday night.
In a tightly contested quarterfinal clash played in front of over 43,000 passionate fans, it was Matheus Martinelli who drew first blood, while second-half substitute Hércules proved to be the difference with a composed finish that sent the South American champions into the final four.
⚽ Martinelli Strikes First
After a cagey opening, the breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Fluminense midfielder Martinelli capitalized on a defensive lapse. The Brazilian curled a superb left-footed shot past the helpless Al Hilal keeper after João Cancelo misjudged a pass in his own half. The goal gave Flu the confidence boost they needed heading into the break.
🔁 Al Hilal Hit Back
The Saudi outfit, boasting a star-studded lineup, came out swinging in the second half. Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute when Marcus Leonardo pounced on a loose ball from a Koulibaly header to level the scores. The equalizer energized Al Hilal as they pushed forward for a potential winner.
🚨 VAR Drama and Late Decider
Moments before halftime, Al Hilal thought they had a penalty when Ruben Neves went down inside the box, but the decision was overturned following a VAR review, with the referee ruling it as “normal contact.”
That decision would prove crucial.
In the 70th minute, Fluminense substitute Hércules became the unexpected hero. Just minutes after coming on, he was in the right place at the right time to receive a cut-back and calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner—restoring his team’s lead and sparking wild celebrations from the Brazilian supporters.
🏆 Flu March On
Despite Al Hilal’s relentless pressure in the closing stages—including 12 corners and several goalmouth scrambles—Fluminense’s defense held firm, led by veterans Thiago Silva and Juan Pablo Freytes.
With this result, Fluminense march into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Palmeiras vs Chelsea on July 8 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
🔍 Match Summary
- Goals:
- Fluminense: Martinelli (40’), Hércules (70’)
- Al Hilal: Marcus Leonardo (51’)
- Stadium: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
- Attendance: 43,091
- VAR: First-half penalty decision overturned for Al Hilal
📣 What’s Next?
Fluminense’s dream of global glory continues. With confidence high and momentum building, the Brazilian club will be eyeing a spot in the final—but a stern test awaits in the form of either Premier League giants Chelsea or familiar foes Palmeiras.
