Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Summary
In a tense, goalless draw, Fluminense secured their progression from Group F into the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, while Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated despite a spirited display.
Key Highlights
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Possession stats heavily favoured Mamelodi Sundowns at approximately 68%, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough .
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Tashreeq Matthews crafted Sundowns’ best early opportunity; his shot was well-saved by veteran goalkeeper Fábio in the 8th minute.
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Fluminense’s best chance came in the 57th minute when Germán Cano struck the post with a low volley—nearly the decisive moment.
Tactical Overview
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Sundowns dominated possession and used wide areas to press Fluminense, but lacked a clinical edge in the final third.
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Fluminense adopted a compact, reactive setup, relying on Fábio’s experience and opportunistic counterattacks.
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The veteran custodian, aged 44, made key saves to maintain the clean sheet and smooth Fluminense’s path forward.
Group F Standings (Post-Match)
| Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Fluminense | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Ulsan Hyundai | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Fluminense finishes second, setting up a round of 16 clash in Charlotte. Sundowns' four points marked a strong effort—including a historic win over Ulsan—but ultimately wasn't enough to advance.
Framing the Significance
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Fluminense becomes the fourth Brazilian club to reach the knockout phase, joining Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo.
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Despite dominating possession, Sundowns' inability to convert chances will sting—they exit with pride after an unprecedented African victory in the US.
What’s Next?
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Fluminense will face either River Plate, Inter Milan, or Monterrey in Charlotte during the Round of 16.
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Mamelodi Sundowns return home having shown tactical maturity and quality—even if the result didn’t go their way.
Final Thoughts
This match underscored the art of restraint: tactical discipline and single moments of brilliance from Fluminense, contrasting with Sundowns’ expressive but ultimately fruitless control. It’s proof that in knockout football, a clean sheet and strategy often trump dominance.
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