ul 4, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Fluminense's Martinelli celebrates scoring their first goal during a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Bello-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Fluminense Defeat Al-Hilal To Enter FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final

Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio made some important saves to deny Koulibaly and Musab Al Juwayr in stoppage time.

Fluminense continued their remarkable run at the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday. The Brazilian side secured a 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal in Orlando to book a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Chelsea on Tuesday in New Jersey. There were emotional scenes before kick-off as Al-Hilal’s Portugal duo Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, were seen in tears during a minute’s silence held in memory of their late national teammate Diogo Jota.

Fluminense were the underdogs going into the match and they struck first through Matheus Martinelli. The Brazilian midfielder received a pass from Gabriel Fuentes before unleashing a superb left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Al-Hilal’s keeper Yassine Bounou with no chance.

VEEEEEEENCEEEEEEEEEEE O FLUMINEEEEEEEENSEEEEEE! ESTAMOS NA SEMIFINAL DA COPA DO MUNDO DE CLUBES DA FIFA. MARTINELLI E HÉRCULES MARCAM E O #TIMEDEGUERREIROS VENCE O AL-HILAL POR 2 A 1!

VAAAAAMOSSSSS, TRICOLOOOOORRRRRR! QUEREMOS AS CHAVES DO MUNDO! 🇭🇺🇭🇺🇭🇺🇭🇺🇭🇺#FIFACWC… pic.twitter.com/m1bSgKsSac
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) July 4, 2025

Al-Hilal pushed back and found their equaliser early in the second half when Kalidou Koulibaly’s cushioned header fell kindly to Marcos Leonardo. The forward adjusted quickly and fired home from close range as he scored his fourth goal of the tournament. The Saudi side thought they had a penalty moments later when Samuel Xavier appeared to trip Leonardo, but VAR overturned the call.

Hercules Scores Winner

Fluminense regained the lead in the 70th minute when substitute Hercules made an instant impact by taking a clever touch inside the area before slotting the ball calmly into the bottom corner. Notably, the Brazilian midfielder had also scored against Inter Milan in the previous round.

Al-Hilal piled on late pressure, with Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio making some important saves to deny Koulibaly and Musab Al Juwayr in stoppage time. The Brazilian side held on to continue their fairy-tale journey. With Fluminense’s experience in midfield and disciplined defending led by Thiago Silva, the Brazilians are now just one step away from the final of the Club World Cup.

Notably, Al-Hilal had stunned Premier League giants Manchester City in the Round of 16 while Fluminense knocked out Serie A giants Inter Milan.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Al Hilal

FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Fluminense

Fluminense vs Al Hilal

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.