Brazil's Fluminense and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal delivered seismic shocks at the FIFA Club World Cup, toppling European heavyweights Inter Milan and Manchester City in contrasting quarterfinal thrillers this week.
South American Grit Outshines Italian Stars
Fluminense stunned Inter Milan 2-0 in Charlotte's sweltering heat, with German Cano scoring a third-minute opener through goalkeeper Yann Sommer's legs. The Rio de Janeiro club's disciplined defense held firm against sustained pressure, surviving Stefan de Vrij's missed sitter and Lautaro Martinez's late post-rattling effort before substitute Hercules sealed victory in stoppage time.
Middle Eastern Magic Topples English Champions
Al Hilal scripted an even greater upset in Orlando, overcoming Manchester City 4-3 in extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's first-half heroics laid the foundation for Marcos Leonardo's brace, including a 112th-minute winner. The result came despite Pep Guardiola's pre-match concerns about fixture congestion, with City playing their first competitive match just three weeks after concluding the Premier League season.
The victories set up Friday's semifinal clashes, as Fluminense face Al Hilal in Orlando while Inter Milan and Manchester City regroup ahead of their consolation playoff.
