Fluminense Survive Ulsan Scare in Six-Goal Club World Cup Classic

By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 22, 2025 02:13 AM • 106 views

In a pulsating contest that had twists, turns, and no shortage of drama, Brazil's Fluminense staged a stunning comeback to defeat South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai 4-2 in the second round of the Club World Cup group stage at a sun-drenched MetLife Stadium in New York. The victory didn't just keep the Copa Libertadores champions alive in the tournament—it showcased their resilience, squad depth, and ability to rise from chaos when things looked bleakest.

⚽️ A Rollercoaster Affair

Fluminense opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a moment of brilliance from Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias, whose inch-perfect free kick left Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo helpless. But the joy was short-lived. Ulsan struck back with composure and pace. Lee Jin-hyun levelled the score in the 36th minute, and just before halftime, Um Won-sang completed the turnaround with a clinical header, capping off a flowing move from the K-League side. Suddenly, the Tricolor were staring down the barrel of defeat.

🔁 Second-Half Substitutions Spark Revival

Manager Fernando Diniz turned to his bench—and was rewarded. Second-half substitute Nonato made an instant impact, equalizing in the 65th minute after a driving run and clever pass from fellow substitute Keno. The duo, both fresh off the bench, injected new life into a side that had been struggling with the humidity and Ulsan's relentless counters. Defender Luca Freytes then powered in a goal from close range in the 77th minute to restore Fluminense's lead, sending the Brazilian fans in the stands into raptures. And just when it looked like Ulsan might find another twist, it was Keno—capping a whirlwind performance—who sealed the deal in stoppage time with a header from an Arias assist, putting the result beyond doubt at 4-2. "It was an emotional rollercoaster," said Keno, who scored and assisted. "We had to fight, adapt, and respond—and we did it together."

🔥 Key Moments:

Arias' free-kick opener (25') — set the tone early Ulsan's quickfire double (36', 48') — flipped the game on its head Nonato's equalizer (65') — pivotal response from the bench Freytes' go-ahead goal (77') — the defining blow Keno's late header (90+5') — the exclamation point

🧊 Cooling Breaks and High Heat

With temperatures again soaring in the low 30s (°C), both teams were granted hydration breaks, but it was the South Americans who ultimately managed the heat and pressure better in the final third of the match. Ulsan was brave, inventive, and far from second-best—but lacked composure in key defensive moments. Their counter-attacking football rattled Fluminense early, but their inability to contain the Brazilian subs proved costly.

📆 What's Next?

The final group matches will be decisive. On Wednesday (June 25), Borussia Dortmund will take on Ulsan Hyundai, while Fluminense will clash with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns. Victory for Fluminense would see them advance, but with Group F wide open and upsets already in the air, nothing is guaranteed.