Fluminense played poorly, but advanced in second place to the round of 16 of the Club World Cup; see possible opponents
Fluminense drew 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday (25/6) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. With the result, the Tricolor team now has five points and finished Group F of the Club World Cup in second place, behind Borussia Dortmund from Germany, who led with seven. The Africans, with four, are eliminated.
Now, Fluminense awaits its opponent in the round of 16 of the tournament. Renato Gaúcho’s team will face the leader of Group E, which could be Inter Milan, Monterrey or Fluminense. The Tricolor team will play this Monday at 4 pm (Brasília time) in Charlotte. The team from Rio had a lackluster performance and suffered at times with Mamelodi’s attacks. Even so, Fluminense managed to hit the post once, with Cano.
The Game
Mamelodi started the match better and almost opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Matthews was released into the area and shot, but Fábio made a great save. Then it was Lunga’s turn to be stopped by the Fluminense goalkeeper. After the scares, the team from Rio improved their marking, but still struggled to advance. Fluminense’s first shot was by Freytes, who took advantage of a corner kick. In the final part, the tricolors grew in the match.
Arias wasted a great chance. The Colombian kicked across goal, but no one was there to push the ball. Then, Nonato shot close to the goal. Thus, the duel remained even until halftime.
In the second half, Mamelodi came back better, but only caused a scare when Freytes tried to cut a ball and sent it over the goal line, close to the goal. Fluminense responded with Cano. The Argentine took advantage of a cross and hit the post. The African team had more possession of the ball, but was stopped by the tricolor marking.
Fluminense, on the other hand, tried to make quick advances, without success. Little by little, the team from Rio managed to attack with quality. Arias received a pass in the area, but was stopped by the defense. Then, Bernal took a chance from afar and saw the ball go over the crossbar. In the final part, Mamelodi started to press in search of a goal.
However, Fluminense defended itself and prevented any dangerous play. Thus, the tricolor team was able to celebrate qualifying for the Super Club World Cup.
