Brazilian side Fluminense booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabian giants Al-Halal at the Camping World Stadium in Florida.
The match began under a sombre cloud, with both teams observing a moment of silence in memory of late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, adding emotional weight to an already high-stakes contest.
What followed was a cagey and uneventful first half, with both sides adopting a cautious approach. Fans had to wait until the 18th minute for the first shot on goal. But just as the tempo threatened to stagnate, Martinelli lit up the match with a stunning individual effort. Cutting inside from the wing, he unleashed a curling left-footed drive that flew into the far corner, leaving Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou rooted.
Al-Hilal nearly drew level just before the break. Kalidou Koulibaly rose to meet a perfectly delivered Ruben Neves free-kick, only to be denied by a spectacular reflex save from veteran Fluminense keeper Fabio.
There was late first-half drama when Marcos Leonardo went down in the box under contact from Xavier, and referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded a penalty. However, a swift VAR review overturned the decision, drawing loud protests from the Al-Hilal bench.
The Saudis came out stronger after the break and were rewarded in the 51st minute. Another dangerous delivery from Neves found Koulibaly, who headed the ball across goal. Leonardo pounced from close range to make it 1-1.
But Fluminense responded almost instantly. Super-sub Hércules, who had scored a stoppage-time winner in the round of 16, proved decisive once again. After his initial shot was blocked in a chaotic goalmouth scramble, he reacted quickest to a follow-up header from Xavier and smashed in the winner past Bounou.
MVP: Hércules
The impact substitute continued his heroics in the tournament, scoring in consecutive knockout matches. His sharp instincts and clinical finish earned him the Man of the Match, as Fluminense advanced to the final four.
Big Blunder: João Cancelo
The former Manchester City full-back made a costly error in the lead-up to Martinelli’s goal, failing to clear his lines and gifting Fluminense the opportunity to strike first.
Manager’s Reaction: Portaluppi Praises Grit and Brazilian Support
Fluminense manager Renato Portaluppi hailed his team’s character and the passionate Brazilian support after their victory.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game but I’m so pleased with how my players reacted. I’m so happy that we’ve gone through to the semi-finals.” said Portaluppi.
The manager also expressed his gratitude to the traveling fans:
“I’m so happy for all the fans that are here from Brazil, we have so much support and I know they’ll keep pushing us as we go to New York for the semi-finals.”
On Hércules, the match-winner once again, Portaluppi revealed what he told the substitute before sending him on:
“I told Hercules to keep doing what he does best, and that he was going to have an opportunity to score. He took it brilliantly when he did.”
What’s Next?
Fluminense now head to New York for the semi-final clash on July 8, where they will face the winner of the tie between Palmeiras and Chelsea.
A Palmeiras win would set up an all-Brazilian semi-final, which paves way for a South American vs Europe Club World Cup final.