How Did Fluminense Shock Al Hilal to Reach Club World Cup Semifinal?
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Synopsis
In a stunning display at the FIFA Club World Cup, Fluminense overcame Al Hilal with a score of 2-1, thanks to a dramatic late goal from Hercules. This victory not only secures Fluminense's place in the semifinals but also raises questions about officiating and the competitive spirit of both teams.
Key Takeaways
- Fluminense advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Hercules scored the winning goal in the 70th minute.
- Al Hilal's penalty appeal was denied after a VAR review.
- Both teams displayed commendable defensive and offensive strategies.
- The match raised questions about officiating standards in important tournaments.
Orlando, July 5 (NationPress) Hercules netted the decisive goal as Fluminense triumphed over Al Hilal with a score of 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday (local time), allowing the Brazilian team to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Fluminense took the lead in the 40th minute when Matheus Martinelli skillfully curled the ball into the top corner, thanks to an assist from Gabriel Fuentes, reports Xinhua.
Just before halftime, Al Hilal was given a penalty due to a leg entanglement, but after a review by VAR, the referee overturned the decision, citing “no foul.”
In the 51st minute, the Saudi team managed to equalize when Kalidou Koulibaly headed the ball into the goal area, enabling Marcos Leonardo to score his fourth goal of the tournament.
However, Al Hilal couldn't replicate their earlier comeback against Manchester City, as Fluminense regained the lead in the 70th minute with a powerful right-footed shot from Hercules.
In the final 15 minutes, players from Al Hilal frequently went down in the box, appealing for penalties, but the referee remained unconvinced, and Koulibaly received a yellow card for simulation.
In the mixed zone, Koulibaly expressed his bewilderment, stating, “We did everything to win. Fluminense played exceptionally well defensively. I don't understand the referee's decision. I believe everyone witnessed it, yet the referee didn’t check VAR for me in the second half.”
“Occasionally, we want to accept everything, but losing like this is disappointing because it was a golden opportunity for us. I feel the referee didn’t fulfill his duties,” Koulibaly remarked. “If VAR is checked in the first half, it should also be reviewed in the second half.”
Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi lamented the loss, stating, “It has been a good World Cup for us, but we leave with a sense of bitterness because we deserved much more after the events of the second half.”
Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho expressed pride in his team's performance, noting, “Although we didn’t create many chances, we capitalized on those we had, and the entire group showed commitment and determination.”
Point of View
I observed the recent FIFA Club World Cup match between Fluminense and Al Hilal not just as a sporting event, but as a display of resilience and skill. The controversies surrounding VAR decisions highlight the ongoing challenges in officiating. Nonetheless, Fluminense's tactical prowess and Al Hilal's determination made for an exciting encounter that captivated fans worldwide.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Fluminense won the match against Al Hilal with a score of 2-1.
Who scored the winning goal?
Hercules scored the decisive goal for Fluminense.
What was the controversy during the match?
Al Hilal was awarded a penalty that was later revoked by VAR for 'no foul', leading to discussions about officiating.
When did Fluminense take the lead?
Fluminense took the lead in the 40th minute with a goal from Matheus Martinelli.
What did the coaches say after the match?
Fluminense's coach expressed pride in the team's performance, while Al Hilal's coach lamented the loss and VAR decisions.
