Tue Jul 08 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **Fluminense Defies Odds, Reaches Club World Cup Semifinals After Beating Al-Hilal**
**New Jersey -** Brazilian side Fluminense has continued their improbable Club World Cup run, securing a spot in the semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal. The Rio de Janeiro club, considered a significant underdog with a mere 0.05% chance of winning the title according to Opta, has defied expectations throughout the tournament.
Under the leadership of charismatic manager Renato Gaucho, Fluminense has transformed from relegation battlers to giant-killers. Renato has fostered an “us against the world” mentality that has propelled the team forward, even knocking out Champions League runners-up Inter Milan in the round of 16.
“When I say we’re the ugly duckling, with all due respect to all the other clubs, I’m talking about our financial situation,” Renato explained, highlighting the financial disparity between Fluminense and their rivals.
Despite the financial disadvantage, Renato credits his team’s attitude, concentration, and hard work as key factors in their success. “What got Fluminense to the semifinals was exactly the attitude my team had on the pitch, their concentration, their focus and the hard work of the whole team,” he stated.
Now, Fluminense sets their sights on a semi-final clash against Chelsea at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Renato anticipates a tactical battle, describing the match as “a game of chess” that will be decided by discipline.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the quality of Brazilian football, noting the energy and skill that Fluminense brings to the field. “The quality from Brazilian players is probably the top, is the best quality,” Maresca said. “Top quality and also defensively, they were very good. So it will be a tough game.”
Fluminense plans to neutralize Chelsea’s key players while maintaining possession and playing their own style of football as they look to continue their fairy-tale journey in the Club World Cup.
First Piper 