By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 05, 2025 02:52 AM • 85 views
In a story that's fast becoming the stuff of dreams, Brazilian club Fluminense marched into the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a spirited 2-1 victory over Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal on a humid Friday night in Orlando. What was billed as a clash of ambition turned into a statement of belief — belief that Fluminense, long considered outsiders in this elite tournament, belong on football's grandest stage. Matheus Martinelli and Hercules were the heroes of the night, their goals sandwiching a Marcus Leonardo equaliser as Fluminense wrote yet another thrilling chapter in their unlikely run. "If you asked me a while ago whether we would reach this stage — a semi-final — I wouldn't say I wouldn't believe it because I believe in everything I do," said veteran captain Thiago Silva post-match. "But it was so far away from us." Not anymore.
Brazilian Flair, Saudi Resistance
The match opened with a sombre tribute — a minute's silence in memory of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday. But as the whistle blew, intensity quickly replaced emotion. Fluminense struck first. A defensive lapse from João Cancelo saw the ball drop to Gabriel Fuentes, who neatly laid it off for Martinelli. The 22-year-old showed composure well beyond his years, curling a delicious left-footed strike into the top right corner — a moment of quality that silenced Al-Hilal's travelling support. "Many people didn't believe in our potential," said Martinelli. "But each game, each step, we prove we're a tough team to beat." He won't be part of the next step, though — a yellow card picked up minutes later means the midfielder is suspended for the semi-final.
Al-Hilal Fights Back, VAR Drama Ensues
Despite trailing at the break, Al-Hilal returned with urgency. Kalidou Koulibaly, always a threat from set pieces, rose highest to nod down a header that ricocheted off Marcus Leonardo. The striker readjusted sharply and fired home to level the contest. Moments later, controversy struck. Samuel Xavier appeared to clip Leonardo in the box — the referee pointed to the spot immediately, but VAR intervened. After a tense review, the challenge was ruled as "normal football contact," and the penalty was rescinded, much to the fury of the Al-Hilal bench.
Hercules Delivers Again
With Martinelli off, in came Hercules — and it took just 25 minutes for the substitute to make his mark. In the 70th minute, the 21-year-old ghosted past two defenders, took a deft touch into space, and rifled the ball low into the corner beyond Yassine Bounou's reach. Hercules, who had also found the net in the dramatic win over Inter Milan, celebrated wildly, chest-thumping the Fluminense badge as chants of "Flu! Flu!" echoed around the Exploria Stadium. Al-Hilal threw bodies forward, but Fluminense held firm. Goalkeeper Fabio, at 43, proved ageless — a crucial first-half save to deny Koulibaly proved decisive.
What's Next? A Date With Destiny
Fluminense's win now sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against the winner of Palmeiras vs Chelsea — a matchup that once felt impossible for the Tricolour faithful. Now, it's reality. For head coach Renato Gaúcho, this journey is about more than football. It's about defying expectation, embracing the underdog spirit, and writing history — one match at a time. On the other side, Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi was reflective in defeat: "We're obviously disappointed. But I'm proud of how my team fought. They left everything on the pitch." In football, belief often outweighs reputation. And right now, no team believes harder—or fights more challenging—than Fluminense.
