In an electrifying match in Orlando, Fluminense secured a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal, earning their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. The Brazilian side dazzled early with Matheus Martinelli curling a stunning shot into the top far corner in the 40th minute, with a perfect assist from Gabriel Fuentes. ⚽
The game saw its fair share of drama. After a tangled moment in the first half, a penalty was initially awarded to Al Hilal, but the decision was quickly overturned by VAR, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle.
Al Hilal managed to draw level in the 51st minute with a thunderous header by Kalidou Koulibaly, paving the way for Marcos Leonardo to notch his fourth goal of the tournament. However, Fluminense’s resolve shone through once more when Hercules unleashed a powerful right-foot shot in the 70th minute, retracing their lead.
In the final minutes, controversial moments ensued as Al Hilal players repeatedly appealed for penalties inside the box. Despite their efforts, the referee remained unmoved, even issuing a yellow card to Koulibaly for diving, a decision that left the Saudi side's captain speechless. Koulibaly expressed his frustration, remarking on the inconsistency of the VAR checks during the match.
With this pivotal win, Fluminense now prepares to face Chelsea in the semifinals, promising an enthralling showdown that will captivate football fans around the world. Stay tuned as these giants collide in what could be a defining moment of the tournament!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
