Fluminense Holds off Inter Milan

On another hot and humid summer day in the United States, one of Brazil’s best in Fluminense took on one of Italy’s best in Inter Milan as both sides took to their Round of 16 match at the Bank of America stadium in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. But both teams got through it, and it would be Fluminense that would join Palmeiras in the Quarterfinals as the second Brazilian side by a final of two goals to nil.

Fluminense opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. The play started along the far side touch line as Jhon Arias moved the ball up the pitch. AS he tried to cross the ball toward the area, it was deflected, but not enough, as it bounced in front of German Cano, who scored with a header shot in front of Yann Sommer. It bounced down and completely over the goal line.

From that point on, Inter Milan was on the front foot, trying very hard to score an equalizer, but they were thwarted by Fabio all match long. Federico DeMarco had a great chance to get the tying goal, but Fabio delivered a solid two-handed punching save to keep the ball away from the net in the 11th minute.

Another big save by Fabio, this time in the 80th minute. Inter with the ball at the near side took a long cross to the far side of the area. Getting to the ball was Lautaro Martinez, as he settled the ball, spun around, and took a hard shot toward the far post. Fabio was right there to make the save and stop Inter Milan getting on the scoresheet.

Inter kept attacking and attacking the net, but they just couldn’t find a way to get the breakthrough. If it’s not the 44-year-old Goalkeeper Fabio making the saves, then he’s getting help from the Woodwork as the posts saved him twice from allowing that goal to tie the match up in regulation. But the club from Rio finally got their nail in the coffin.

In second half stoppage time, Inter attempted to clear the ball, but it hit a Fluminense player, then deflected toward Hercules. He collected it, went on the attack, and took a shot that fooled Sommer as he caught it late. The ball tucked inside the near post, and the club from Rio will advance to the quarterfinals, showing scenes of the fans celebrating, hugging, and crying into each other as their club has made a big moment in their lives.

While Inter Milan did their best to get back into the match, they just couldn’t find a way to beat Fabio, or the woodwork to get the equalizer and force extra time, or put pressure on Fluminense. This was an exciting match that saw the best of Brazil taking on the best of Italy, and now we will await who will be the next opponent for the club from Rio de Jeneiro.