Fluminense and Al Hilal clash in the first quarterfinals matchup of the Club World Cup after both teams delivered huge upsets in the round of 16.
El Flu gave Inter Milan a taste of their own medicine with a stellar defensive display that frustrated the Italians. Renato Gaúcho struck early and then played a mature, well-structured game defensively, until a late second goal clinched their spot in the quarterfinals over the Champions League finalists.
Only hours later, Al Hilal emerged victorious from the best game of the Club World Cup so far, edging Premier League giants Manchester City 4–3 in an extra-time thriller. The individual quality of Simone Inzaghi’s men was on full display as well as their resilience, trading punches with one of the best teams in the world on their way to the biggest upset of the summer to date.
Both teams are yet to lose a single game in the Club World Cup and have competed admirably against top European sides. Now, in the only quarterfinals tie without a European team, El Flu and Al Hilal will feel confident about their chances of being among the final four teams in the tournament.
The winners of this tie will face either Chelsea or Palmeiras in the semifinals.
Here’s guide to this Club World Cup quarterfinals matchup.
