Fluminense delivered a statement performance on Monday, eliminating Inter Milan from the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory in Charlotte and securing their place in the quarter-finals.
German Cano opened the scoring inside three minutes with a clinical header, capitalizing on a deflected cross to give the Brazilian side an early advantage. Despite heavy second-half pressure from the Italians, Fluminense held firm before substitute Hercules sealed the result with a stoppage-time strike.
The Copa Libertadores champions, captained by 40-year-old veteran Thiago Silva, became the second Brazilian team to reach the last eight after Palmeiras. Fluminense will now head to Orlando for a quarter-final clash on Friday against either Manchester City or Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
The win adds to a strong run by Brazilian clubs against elite European opposition in the U.S.-hosted tournament. Botafogo defeated Paris Saint-Germain, while Flamengo got the better of Chelsea during the group stage.
Inter Milan, reeling from a 5-0 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League final in May and under new manager Cristian Chivu, failed to find rhythm despite topping their group. They fell behind early at the Bank of America Stadium, with just over 20,000 fans in attendance on a sweltering afternoon.
Cano’s opener came after Jhon Arias’ cross was deflected by Alessandro Bastoni, falling awkwardly into the path of the Argentine striker, who headed through goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s legs.
Fluminense nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but Ignacio’s goal was ruled out for offside. Arias continued to threaten in the second half, with Sommer forced into a sharp save to deny his curling effort.
Inter responded with urgency, creating a series of late chances. Stefan de Vrij missed narrowly after a knockdown by Lautaro Martinez, who also struck the post with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Martinez had earlier been denied by Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio.
In stoppage time, Hercules secured the win for the Brazilian side, driving low into the bottom corner after latching onto a loose ball in the box. Federico Dimarco nearly pulled one back for Inter, rattling the woodwork in the dying moments, but it was too little, too late.
The result sends Inter crashing out and keeps South American hopes alive in the tournament, with Fluminense eyeing a deeper run as they prepare for their next test in Orlando.