In one of the most thrilling days of the FIFA Club World Cup so far, South American and Asian giants stunned European royalty in two dramatic matches as the Round of 16 rolls on. With just one match left before the quarterfinals, the intensity is reaching its peak.
FC Internazionale Milano v Fluminense FC
UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan were left stunned by a disciplined and clinical Fluminense side, going down 2-0. The Brazilian club took the lead early with a rapid counterattack, capped off by Germán Cano’s header after a deflected cross.
Despite dominating possession, Inter failed to make it count, with several efforts drifting narrowly wide. As they pushed forward in stoppage time, Fluminense struck again. Hercules sealed the victory in the 93rd minute with a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the box, sending Fluminense into the quarterfinals with a statement win.
Manchester City v Al Hilal
The day’s second match delivered even more drama, as Al Hilal toppled Manchester City in a pulsating 4-3 extra-time thriller. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring early to give City the lead, stabbing home a lose ball in the ninth minute.
Marcos Leonardo equalized seconds into the second half, before Malcom broke clear to finish calmly past Ederson to put Al Hilal into the lead. City’s response was swift, with Erling Haaland heading in from a corner just three minutes later.
The match spilled into extra time, Al Hilal taking the lead again at the start Kalidou Koulibaly powering home a brilliant header. Despite a penalty shootout looming, substitute Phil Foden levelled the score. Marcos Leonardo was on hand though to net the last goal securing a monumental upset for the Saudi’s.
Al Hilal will face Fluminense in the quarter finals.
Results:
Fluminense FC: 2 (Gérman CANO 3’, HÉRCULES 90+3’)
Inter Milan: 0
Al Hilal 4 (Marcos LEONARDO 46’, 113′, MALCOM 52’, Kalidou KOULIBALY 94’)
Manchester City 3 (Bernado SILVA 9’, Erling HAALAND 55’, Phil FODEN 104′)