Inter Milan 0-2 Fluminense: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – As It Happened.
By Manasi Pathak at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte.
This page is now closed, but a summary of the match is available below, and you can read our full match report for more details. Thank you for joining us at Al Jazeera Sport.
Fluminense pulled off a sensational 2-0 victory over Inter Milan in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, securing their place in the quarterfinals against Al-Hilal, who stunned Manchester City earlier in the tournament.
An early header from Germán Cano and a stoppage-time strike from substitute Hercules sealed a famous win for the Brazilian side at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite Inter’s relentless pressure and 16 attempts on goal, Fluminense’s resolute defense, led by captain Thiago Silva, and clinical finishing proved decisive in the sweltering heat. Below is the live commentary of how this thrilling encounter unfolded.
Pre-Match Build-Up
The stage was set for a blockbuster clash between Serie A giants Inter Milan, runners-up in the 2024 Champions League, and Brazilian side Fluminense, who arrived with confidence after a strong domestic campaign. Inter, managed by Cristian Chivu, boasted a star-studded lineup featuring Lautaro Martinez, Federico Dimarco, and Nicolò Barella, but faced a Fluminense side buoyed by the experience of Thiago Silva and the attacking flair of Jhon Arias and Germán Cano. Manager Renato Gaúcho’s decision to deploy a five-man backline signaled a tactical battle, with Fluminense aiming to frustrate Inter’s attacking rhythm and strike on the counter.
The humid conditions in Charlotte added an extra layer of challenge, with temperatures soaring and both teams needing to manage their energy carefully. As the teams lined up, anticipation was high for a competitive encounter, with Fluminense looking to emulate Palmeiras as the second Brazilian side to reach the quarterfinals.
First Half: Fluminense Strike Early
1’: The match kicks off at Bank of America Stadium, with Fluminense in their traditional tricolor kit and Inter Milan in their iconic blue and black stripes. The Brazilian fans in the stands are in full voice, waving flags and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
3’: GOAL! Fluminense 1-0 Inter Milan (Germán Cano)
What a start for Fluminense! A cross from the right by Jhon Arias deflects off Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, looping into the path of Germán Cano. The striker makes no mistake, heading the ball through Yann Sommer’s legs from close range. The Brazilian contingent erupts, and Inter are stunned early on.
5’: Inter respond with intent, as Lautaro Martinez links up with Marcus Thuram on the edge of the box, but Fluminense’s Ignacio blocks the shot. The Brazilian side’s five-man backline is already causing problems for Inter’s attacking rhythm.
10’: Fluminense’s low block is holding firm, with Thiago Silva organizing the defense superbly. Inter are seeing plenty of the ball, but their passes are struggling to penetrate the compact Brazilian shape.
15’: A chance for Inter! Nicolò Barella’s through ball finds Martinez, who cuts inside from the left, but his shot is comfortably saved by Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio. The Italians are starting to find their rhythm.
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20’: Fluminense nearly double their lead! Jhon Arias breaks down the right and swings in a cross for Cano, but Stefan de Vrij heads clear just in time. The Brazilian side are dangerous on the counter.
25’: Inter’s Federico Dimarco whips in a dangerous cross from the left, but Thiago Silva rises highest to head clear. The 40-year-old is showing all his experience, reading the game impeccably.
30’: Cooling break. The humid conditions are taking their toll, and both teams take a moment to regroup. Inter have dominated possession with 65%, but Fluminense’s early goal gives them the edge.
35’: Inter are piling on the pressure. A quick one-two between Barella and Thuram creates space, but Juan Freytes makes a crucial sliding tackle to deny Thuram a shot on goal.
40’: Fluminense’s discipline is impressive. Despite Inter’s possession dominance, the Brazilian side are maintaining their shape, with Silva and Ignacio forming a formidable partnership at the heart of the defense.
45’: One minute of stoppage time is added. Inter win a late corner, but Fabio punches clear confidently. The half-time whistle blows, and Fluminense head into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Half-Time: Inter Milan 0-1 Fluminense
Fluminense’s early goal from Germán Cano has given them a slender advantage, but Inter have had the better of the chances, with five shots to Fluminense’s two. The Brazilian side’s defensive organization has been key, while Inter will need to be more clinical in the second half to turn this around.
Second Half: Inter Push, Fluminense Hold Firm
46’: The second half begins, with Inter making no changes. Fluminense, meanwhile, are sticking to their game plan, sitting deep and looking to hit on the counter.
50’: Inter come close! Martinez heads a cross from Dimarco towards goal, but Fabio is quick off his line to smother the effort. The Italian side are starting to turn the screw.
55’: A moment of controversy! Inter’s Barella appeals for a handball against Thiago Silva in the box after a driven cross hits the Fluminense captain’s arm. Replays show Silva’s arm was in a natural position, and the referee waves play on.
60’: Fluminense have a chance to double their lead! Jhon Arias picks up the ball on the counter and curls a shot from 20 yards, but Yann Sommer dives full stretch to tip it away. That was close to a second for the Brazilians!
63’: Substitution for Fluminense: Germán Cano, the goalscorer, is replaced by Everaldo. Inter also make a change, with Sebastiano Esposito coming on for Marcus Thuram to add fresh legs up top.
66’: Handball appeal by Inter
Barella again calls for a penalty as a cross strikes Silva’s arm, but the referee is unmoved. The Fluminense captain is standing firm, organizing his defense with authority.
69’: Huge miss for Inter!
Martinez heads a cross down to Stefan de Vrij, who is unmarked just five yards out, but the Dutch defender pokes his shot wide. A golden opportunity goes begging for the Champions League runners-up.
72’: Substitution for Inter: Alessandro Bastoni is replaced by Carlos Augusto as Chivu looks to add more attacking impetus from the left.
74’: Another chance for Inter! Augusto plays a low ball into the six-yard box for Esposito, who mistimes his header and sends it over the bar. Fluminense’s defense is holding, but the pressure is mounting.
75’: Dimarco goes close!
Inter win a free kick 15 yards from goal. Federico Dimarco curls a superb effort around the wall, but it whistles just past the near post. Fabio was beaten, and Inter are knocking on the door. The teams take a second cooling break.
78’: Esposito offside
Esposito chases a long ball into the box, but Thiago Silva closes him down expertly. The linesman raises his flag for offside, much to Inter’s frustration.
80’: Fabio saves Martinez’s shot!
A slick Inter move ends with Martinez shooting from close range at the near post, but Fabio is alert and saves comfortably. The Fluminense keeper is having a stellar game.
82’: Substitution for Fluminense: Raul Bernal makes way for Santos as Renato Gaúcho looks to shore up the midfield.
83’: Two big chances for Inter!
Fabio pulls off a sensational save, rushing off his line to block a five-yard shot from Martinez. Seconds later, Martinez’s follow-up effort cannons off the post. Inter are throwing everything at Fluminense, but the Brazilian defense stands firm.
85’: Lima shoots high!
Fluminense substitute Lima finds space on the left and curls a shot towards the far corner, but it sails just over. A rare foray forward for the Brazilians as the clock ticks down.
86’: Santos booked
Fluminense’s Santos receives a yellow card for a late challenge on Esposito, halting a promising Inter move.
88’: The game is opening up, with both teams trading chances. Inter are desperate for an equalizer, while Fluminense look dangerous on the break. Could we be in for a dramatic finish?
89’: Time running out for Inter
Esposito bursts into the box from the right but can’t keep the ball in play under pressure from Fluminense’s defense. Inter’s hopes are fading with just a minute of regulation time remaining.
90’: Seven minutes added
Inter win a late corner, and Dimarco swings it in, but Fabio punches clear. The referee signals seven minutes of stoppage time, giving Inter a lifeline.
90+2’: Augusto shoots high and wide!
Inter’s corner comes to nothing, and Augusto blasts a shot into the crowd from inside the box. Another chance goes begging for the Italians.
90+3’: GOAL! Fluminense 2-0 Inter Milan (Hercules)
Fluminense seal the victory! Substitute Hercules pounces on a loose ball just outside the box and fires a precise left-footed shot into the bottom right corner. The Brazilian fans erupt, and Inter’s hopes are crushed. That’s surely the game!
90+3’: Martinez offside
Martinez makes a darting run into the box and shoots, but his effort misses the far corner, and the linesman flags for offside. The Inter captain looks frustrated.
90+5’: Big chance for Inter!
Dimarco curls a stunning effort from outside the box, but it clips the crossbar and goes over. Inter are throwing everything forward, but time is running out.
90+5’: Lucky number three for Fluminense
Cano’s opener came in the third minute, and Hercules’s strike arrived in the third minute of stoppage time. Fluminense are moments away from a historic victory.
Full Time: Inter Milan 0-2 Fluminense
The whistle blows, and Fluminense have done it! A 2-0 victory over Inter Milan sends the Brazilian side into the Club World Cup quarterfinals, joining Palmeiras as the second Serie A team to advance. Thiago Silva sinks to his knees in celebration, and the Fluminense players gather in a huddle at the halfway line, praying together with their flag at the center.
Post-Match Reaction
Fluminense Celebrate Famous Win in Charlotte
Fluminense’s players head to the stands to celebrate with their traveling fans, who have made the long journey from Brazil. The scenes are joyous, with dancing and singing as the Brazilian side revels in their upset victory. The team’s prayer huddle at the halfway line, with the Fluminense flag prominently displayed, is a poignant moment of unity.
Inter Milan Left to Rue Missed Chances
Inter Milan’s 16 attempts on goal, with only four on target, tell the story of their frustration. Fluminense, despite having just 35% possession, were clinical with their four shots on target, converting two into goals. Fabio’s heroics in goal and Thiago Silva’s defensive masterclass were pivotal in securing the win.
Fluminense Captain Silva Proud of Team’s Display
Speaking to DAZN, Thiago Silva reflects on the victory: “Very proud of my team and teammates. Games like these are hard to play … Inter played in the Champions League final a few months ago. It’s too hot today to play football, but this Fluminense is a big team.
This game was too hard for us because Inter play very well, but I think we are very happy with a 2-0 win… it isn’t easy against Inter. Very happy for myself and the team. Ten days ago, I had an injury, and it wasn’t easy to play today. But I am very happy with the medical team … it was very very important for me to play today.”
‘It Wasn’t Our Day,’ Says Inter Manager Chivu
Inter Milan’s Cristian Chivu laments the defeat: “We didn’t give up, we tried until the end. We tried to make some changes even in the formation. It wasn’t our day. We didn’t expect them to play five at the back, but they were well organized with the low block on defense. It was tough for us to find solutions, especially in the first half when we tried a lot … in the second half, maybe we tried to switch a little bit more, to play outside and with some more crosses. We also tried to build something with two strikers in a 4-4-2. Until the end, we tried, but it wasn’t our day.”
Fluminense Making Noise on Social Media
The victory has sent Brazilian football fans into a frenzy, with the top 15 trends on X in Brazil all related to Fluminense’s triumph. Manager Renato Gaúcho is trending at number one, while players Fabio, Jhon Arias, Thiago Silva, Ignacio, and Germán Cano are also dominating the conversation. The result has banished any “Monday blues” for Fluminense supporters.
Recap: Fluminense Shock Inter 2-0 to Reach Quarterfinals
Fluminense’s stunning 2-0 win over Inter Milan was built on a dream start from Germán Cano’s third-minute header and sealed by Hercules’s stoppage-time strike. Inter pushed hard for an equalizer, with Stefan de Vrij, Sebastiano Esposito, and Lautaro Martinez all missing key chances, but Fluminense’s well-organized defense and Fabio’s goalkeeping heroics ensured a clean sheet. The Brazilian side now advances to face Al-Hilal in Orlando on July 4.
Analysis: Fluminense’s Tactical Triumph
Fluminense’s victory was a masterclass in defensive organization and clinical finishing. Renato Gaúcho’s decision to deploy a five-man backline, with Thiago Silva at its heart, frustrated Inter’s attacking stars, forcing them to rely on crosses that were easily dealt with. Jhon Arias and Germán Cano provided the attacking spark, while Fabio’s nine saves, including crucial stops against Martinez and Esposito, were decisive. Inter’s switch to a 4-4-2 in the second half increased their pressure, but Fluminense’s low block held firm, and Hercules’s late goal on the counter underscored their efficiency.
Inter Milan, despite their possession dominance and 16 shots, lacked the cutting edge needed to break down Fluminense’s defense. Missed chances from de Vrij, Martinez, and Dimarco, combined with Fabio’s brilliance, left them empty-handed. The defeat highlights the challenges of adapting to a compact, counter-attacking opponent, particularly in the intense conditions of the Club World Cup.
Looking Ahead
Fluminense now prepare for a quarterfinal clash with Al-Hilal on July 4 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The Saudi side’s 4-3 extra-time victory over Manchester City makes them a formidable opponent, but Fluminense’s performance against Inter suggests they can rise to the challenge. Inter Milan, meanwhile, will return to Italy to focus on the Serie A season, with Chivu likely to reflect on the tactical adjustments needed for future knockout ties.
The Club World Cup continues to deliver surprises, with Fluminense and Palmeiras flying the flag for Brazilian football. Attention now turns to Tuesday’s last-16 clash between Real Madrid and Juventus in Miami, with the winner set to face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey. All 63 matches of the tournament are available to watch for free on DAZN for new users.
Match Details
· Scoreline: Inter Milan 0-2 Fluminense
· Fluminense Goals: Germán Cano (3’), Hercules (90+3’)
· Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
· Referee: Not reported
· Attendance: Not reported
Key Moments
· 3’: Germán Cano heads Fluminense into the lead.
· 60’: Jhon Arias’s curling shot is saved by Yann Sommer.
· 69’: Stefan de Vrij misses a close-range chance.
· 75’: Federico Dimarco’s free kick narrowly misses.
· 83’: Lautaro Martinez hits the post, and Fabio denies him from close range.
· 90+3’: Hercules seals the win with a precise strike.
· 90+5’: Dimarco’s curling effort hits the crossbar.
Player Ratings
· Fluminense: Fabio 9, Silva 8, Ignacio 7, Freytes 7, Cano 8 (Everaldo 6), Arias 7, Lima 6, Hercules 8, Bernal 6 (Santos 6)
· Inter Milan: Sommer 6, de Vrij 5, Bastoni 6 (Augusto 6), Dimarco 7, Martinez 6, Esposito 5, Barella 6, Thuram 5
Explore More
· Club World Cup 2025
· Fluminense
· Inter Milan
· US Sports
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