Brazilian side Fluminense produced a clinical performance to defeat European giants Inter Milan 2-0 on Monday, advancing to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
An early header from veteran striker German Cano and a late strike from substitute Hercules secured a famous victory for the South American club.
Fluminense took a shock lead in the third minute when Cano connected with a stooping header to put his side ahead. Inter Milan, last season’s UEFA Champions League finalists, dominated possession for large periods and created numerous chances to equalise but were repeatedly frustrated.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez was particularly unlucky, seeing one effort strike the post late in the game, while Federico Dimarco also went close on several occasions. The best opportunity fell to Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij, who was unable to convert following a clever knockdown from Martinez.
As Inter pushed forward, Fluminense sealed the win against the run of play. Substitute Hercules found space on the edge of the penalty area and scored with a superb curling shot, sparking wild celebrations among the Brazilian contingent.
The victory was built on a resilient defensive display, marshalled by 40-year-old former Chelsea captain Thiago Silva, and a string of crucial saves from 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio.
The match, played in front of a crowd of just 20,030 at the Bank of America Stadium, sees Fluminense join fellow Brazilian club Palmeiras in the last eight. They will now face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who stunned Manchester City in their round-of-16 tie, in the quarter-finals in Orlando on Friday. Inter Milan are eliminated from the competition.
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