FIFA Club World Cup: Fluminense Take Early Lead Against Inter in Last 16
In a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Fluminense stunned Inter Milan with a lightning-fast opener, seizing an early advantage that has reshaped the tone of this FIFA Club World Cup clash.
Just three minutes into the match on 30 June 2025, Germán Cano capitalised on a defensive mishap. A deflected cross from Jhon Arias glanced off Alessandro Bastoni, finding Cano unmarked and able to head into an empty net past Yann Sommer. The rapid goal silenced the Italian giants and energised the Brazilians .
Inter responded forcefully, dominating possession and launching repeated assaults on Fluminense’s penalty area. Players like Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco threatened with set‑pieces and open play, but were consistently repelled by goalkeeper Fabio, whose excellent goalkeeping preserved the one-goal cushion . Fluminense’s disciplined backline, which had kept clean sheets in four of its last five matches,remains resolute
Tensions escalated on both sides. A series of yellow cards — including to Inter’s Bastoni, Asllani, and Fluminense’s René — reflected growing frustration and resulted in suspensions should matches extend into the quarter-finals . Despite Inter’s territorial dominance, their inability to convert chances kept the scoreboard frozen, while Fluminense soaked up the pressure with tactical expertise.
This unexpected lead injects drama into the matchup, especially with the prize for victory being a high-profile quarter-final against Manchester City or Al‑Hilal . Opta’s simulations had pegged Inter as favourites — estimating around an 85 % chance to advance — yet this early setback illustrates the razor-thin margins of knockout football .
As the game progresses, Inter must break down a stubborn Fluminense defence bolstered by a confident goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the Brazilian side will look to exploit any spaces on the counterattack, adding to the unpredictability of this tournament staple.
Whichever team prevails, momentum could pivot drastically in this fast‑paced contest, where a single moment can define the path to globally.