By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 01, 2025 02:39 AM • 62 views
CHARLOTTE, June 30 — From nearly relegated to nearly unstoppable, Fluminense's remarkable resurgence hit new heights on Wednesday night as they stunned Champions League runners-up Inter Milan 2-0 to book their place in the quarterfinals of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. Written off as tournament fodder with a paltry 0.05% chance of lifting the trophy—according to Opta—Fluminense has torn up the script, defying logic, form, and finance. What started as a sentimental journey under the guidance of returning club legend Renato Gaucho has transformed into one of the most compelling underdog stories in recent football history. And it's far from over. Goals from Colombian winger Jhon Arias and Argentine striker Germán Cano were enough to dispatch Inter, a side whose glittering squad had only recently competed in the Champions League final. But on this sweltering Charlotte night, it was the South Americans who played like European royalty—disciplined at the back, ruthless up front, and burning with belief. "This was not just a win," said Renato, drenched in sweat and pride post-match. "This was a message. On the pitch, we are equals. Eleven versus eleven. We may not have the resources, but we have heart, courage, and unity."
From Relegation Fears to Renaissance
When Renato returned to Fluminense barely three months ago, the club was in disarray. Limping through Brazil's domestic calendar and teetering on the edge of relegation, they looked like a team destined to fade rather than rise. But the 61-year-old tactician, famous for his attacking philosophy and charismatic flair, brought belief and structure—most importantly, he instilled what he calls a style of "chaos with conviction." The results have been nothing short of astonishing. Group-stage draws against Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns, followed by a critical win over Ulsan Hyundai, paved the way to the knockouts. And now, Fluminense has eliminated one of Europe's giants. "This is what happens when a group of players decides to believe," said veteran centre-back Thiago Silva, 40, whose leadership at the heart of defence has been nothing less than heroic. "It's not about age or budgets. It's about passion."
Arias and Cano: From Shadows to Superstars
Fluminense's revival has been powered by the brilliance of two men who've danced on the edge of obscurity in recent seasons—Jhon Arias and Germán Cano. Arias, electric down the right flank, has been the competition's breakout star. His tireless runs, intelligent positioning, and fearless one-on-one play are making a strong case for tournament MVP. Cano, who struggled with fitness through much of 2024, has rediscovered his instincts, scoring crucial goals when it matters most. Behind them stands a pillar of experience—44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio, who continues to defy the years with commanding performances between the sticks.
Renato's Revolution
Much of the credit, however, circles back to Renato Gaucho. A former Fluminense striker, the Rio native has reinvigorated the club with a system that combines Brazilian flair with European discipline. His unwavering faith in his squad, despite their limitations, is winning admirers across the footballing world. "People laughed when I said we could go far," Renato said. "They're not laughing now."
Next Stop: Giants Await
Fluminense now awaits the winner of Manchester City vs Al Hilal, knowing that their fairytale could yet continue. For fans of the club—known as the Tricolor—this run has already become the stuff of legend. And for Brazilian football, so often overlooked in the modern club landscape, it is a timely reminder of the nation's enduring pedigree.
"Inter Milan? Champions League finalists? That's all true," said Cano. "But we came here not just to play—we came here to win."
As the final whistle blew in Charlotte and the Fluminense bench poured onto the pitch in celebration, one thing became clear: in a tournament built to showcase the world's elite, it is often the dreamers who steal the show.
And Fluminense? They're not done dreaming yet.
