Fluminense progress at CWC as Mamelodi Sundowns bow out

Miami, FL– Fluminense secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals following a tense 0-0 stalemate with Mamelodi Sundowns that ultimately eliminated the South African champions from the tournament. The Brazilian giants needed only a draw to advance from their group, and despite a cagey affair at Hard Rock Stadium, they got exactly what they required while ending Sundowns’ dreams of progressing further in FIFA’s expanded 32-team competition. The goalless encounter highlighted the tactical discipline of both sides, but it was Fluminense who celebrated at the final whistle, knowing their defensive solidity had earned them a coveted spot in the knockout rounds, where they’ll face even stiffer competition from the world’s elite clubs.

“The squad is to be congratulated, as are the fans,” Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho said. “We achieved what we came here to achieve, qualification in the first phase. We knew we would have a lot of difficulty, but sometimes it is better to suffer and qualify than to want to play well and lose.”

Fluminense completed a full Brazilian contingent in the Club World Cup round of 16 after a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns secured their progression from Group F on Wednesday.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Fluminense advanced after finishing second in the group with five points, two behind group winners Borussia Dortmund, who edged Ulsan HD 1-0.

The result set up a last-16 clash next Monday in Charlotte, where Fluminense will face either River Plate, Inter Milan, or Monterrey.

They join fellow Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo in the business end of the 32-club tournament.

Sundowns, who finish third with four points, will be left to wonder what if, as they missed opportunities after a promising start where they beat Ulsan HD 1-0; unfortunately, they didn’t get to advance due to poor results in their remaining matches.

“For the African teams, it all comes down to efficiency in front of the goal,” said Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams. “We had our chances in the match, but we did not bury them. We saw that also with the Al Ahly against Porto game and the number of chances they missed.”

The South African side controlled possession and attacked in waves from the flanks but were unable to convert their dominance into goals.

Fluminense responded with greater urgency after the half-hour cooling break and nearly snatched the lead in the 57th minute, when German Cano’s low volley struck the post.

Though the 65,000-plus capacity stadium was largely empty, with only 14,312 fans showing up, a blend of Brazilian chants and South African drum beats brought a festive energy to the contest.

Game Highlights