Fluminense delivered a seismic shock at the Club World Cup, dispatching Champions League finalists Inter Milan 2-0 in Charlotte to book their ticket to the last-eight of the tournament.
An early header from German Cano and a stoppage-time strike by Hercules sealed a famous win for the Brazilian side, whose tactical discipline and clinical edge floored their more fancied opponents. The result silenced Inter’s star-studded lineup and sent Fluminense’s travelling fans into raptures at the Bank of America Stadium.
Cano pounced in the third minute, nodding home a deflected cross that wrong-footed Yann Sommer and gave Fluminense a dream start. Inter responded with waves of pressure, but a combination of poor finishing and resilient defending denied them a way back into the game.
Lautaro Martinez, largely muted for the first hour, came alive after Cristian Chivu’s substitutions gave him more freedom, but fortune wasn’t on his side. He smacked the post in the closing stages, while Stefan de Vrij squandered a golden chance after a clever flick from the Argentine.
Federico Dimarco also threatened from two free-kicks and saw a low shot saved, but Fabio, Fluminense’s 44-year-old keeper, rolled back the years with a string of smart stops. Hercules then iced the match, curling a beautiful strike from the edge of the box as Inter pushed forward desperately.
The crowd of just over 20,000 might not have filled the stadium, but Fluminense’s supporters made it feel like Rio. Their noise, banners and unrelenting energy turned a neutral venue into a cauldron.
This win means more than just progression, it actually signals the intent of Brazilian teams in this competition. With Palmeiras also through, the South Americans have once again proven they can topple Europe’s elite when conditions and passion align.
