FIFA Club World Cup: Highlights from Fluminense quarterfinal win over Al-Hilal
The FIFA Club World Cup has its first semifinalist, with Fluminense holding off Al-Hilal for a tense 2-1 win on Friday, July 4, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Both of these sides knocked off European powers to get this far, with Fluminense's 2-0 win over Inter Milan exceeded by Al-Hilal's wild 4-3 win over mighty Manchester City in the round of 16. However, the Brazilian powerhouse was the one to stay alive at the Club World Cup, producing two sharp finishes and riding some determined defending inside their own box to clinch a win.
Fluminense took a first-half lead through Matheus Martinelli, whose powerful strike gave his side a 40th-minute edge. Al-Hilal got even early in the second half, with Marcos Leonardo (the hero of that win over Man City) finishing from close range. However, a 70th-minute goal from Hércules nosed the Rio de Janeiro-based club ahead, and Al-Hilal couldn't turn a series of close calls into another goal in the final stages.
Here are highlights and more from Fluminense's 2-1 win over Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup:
Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal highlights
Club World Cup full time: Fluminense 2, Al-Hilal 1
Fluminense have claimed the first place in the Club World Cup semifinals, holding off a furious late siege from Al-Hilal to claim a 2-1 win on Friday in Orlando.
The Brazilians held a lead going into halftime, but that evaporated shortly after the second half kicked off. Al-Hilal got a 51st-minute equalizer thanks to Marcos Leonardo, as the forward mopped up in the goalmouth following a good knockdown header from former Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.
However, Fluminense struck back, with some excellent counter-pressing work resulting in a 70th minute opening that midfielder Hércules buried to restore his side's edge.
Fluminense spent the bulk of the game's final 15 minutes defending deep inside their own box, but did just enough to secure a spot in the semifinals. They'll face the winner of tonight's clash between their domestic rival Palmeiras and Chelsea of the English Premier League, with the semifinal set for Tuesday, July 8 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Halftime: Fluminense leads Al-Hilal 1-0
Al-Hilal could argue that they were having the better of a largely tense, tactical first half, but a powerfully struck 40th-minute finish from Matheus Martinelli gave the Brazilian juggernauts a 1-0 lead that stands as we enter the halftime break.
Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio then made a jaw-dropping save in stoppage time to preserve the lead, and Fluminense had an even closer call moments later when referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded the Saudi side a penalty kick. However, a VAR check resulted in that call being overturned, ramping up emotions from both sides at Camping World Stadium.
Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal underway
The Club World Cup quarterfinal between Fluminense and Al-Hilal has kicked off in Orlando, with some fearsome-looking clouds looming in the background. We could get some ugly weather during this one.
What time is Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals?
Fluminense will face Al-Hilal on Friday, July 4, at Camping World Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
How to watch Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals: TV, stream
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: DAZN
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN