Fluminense continues Dream Run in FIFA Club World Cup; Stort Intermilaan to start neighborhoods

Fluminense defended the opportunities and bewildered Champions League Runners-up Inter Milan with a 2-0 win on Wednesday to achieve a place in the quarterfinals of the renewed 32-teams Club World Cup, which continue their improbable run in the competition.

One of the biggest underdogs of the tournament, Fluminense got a chance of 0.05% to win the title by to elect And was initially tipped to leave in the group stage.

The Rio de Janeiro club, however, turned out to be predictions incorrectly by finishing second in group F, which kept Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi sundowns to defeat Ulsan Hyundai and beat to continue.

Against Inter, Fluminense showed the grit and determination who defined his campaign among charismatic manager Renato Gaucho, with Colombian winger Jhon Arias and striker German Cano again the difference.

Arias, who is demonstrably contrary to the most valuable player prize, was again a force up and down in the right channel in a memorable victory for the Brazilian side.

Renato, a former Fluminense striker and club great, has transformed the team since he took over three months ago.

Known for its attacking 4-2-3-1 system and ruthless high-pressure style, which he calls ‘Creating Chaos’, Renato has best put forward in a team that struggled in 2024, barely avoided the relegation in the Brazilian competition.

«Despite the short period of time, I praise the players for believing in the new plan. I convinced them that it would work,» Renato said a press conference in Charlotte.

«Inter is a great team. They have a lot more money than we do, but on the field it is 11 to 11. The group believed, fought hard and remained focused for the entire 90 minutes. Bravo!»

The defense of Fluminense, prepared by the 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva, a former Chelsea and Paris St Germain Stalwart, and veteran goalkeeper Fabio, 44, was determined during the tournament.

The party has also benefited from the creativity of Arias and the revival of Cano, who has rediscovered its scoring touch in the United States after struggling with injuries.

The Brazilian side will already face Hilal and the conviction bears that it can continue his remarkable journey.

«Today we were not seen in front of every team. We stood opposite one of the giants of European football, a team that only played a few days ago in the Champions League final against PSG,» said Renato about Inter, which was beaten 5-0 on the French side.

«We are very proud of ourselves for the affection and joy that we bring our fans and without a doubt for Brazilian football. We prove that we have dedication and attitude on the field. We cannot compete financially from the field, but on the field it is 11 to 11. That’s it.»

The unlikely run of Fluminense at the club World Cup serves as a reminder that the magic of football is in its unpredictability. Against all expectations, Tricolor has earned the right to keep dreaming.