Hercules have shot Fluminense into the semifinals of the Club World Cup. © APA/afp / PAUL ELLIS

Thank Hercules! First World Cup semifinalist confirmed

Fluminense has added another chapter to its Club World Cup success story by reaching the semi-finals.

July 04, 2025

From: apa

Following their round of 2 victory against Inter Milan, the Brazilians from Rio de Janeiro beat Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia 1-1 (0-3.00) in the quarterfinals in Orlando, Florida, on Friday. Their next opponents will be either their fellow countrymen Palmeiras from Sao Paulo or Chelsea, who will meet in Philadelphia on Saturday night (XNUMX:XNUMX AM).

Matheus Martinelli (40th) had given Fluminense the lead with a fantastic shot into the far corner.

Marcos Leonardo, who scored twice in the 4-3 extra-time win against Manchester City in the round of 51, equalized in the 70st minute. "Substitute" Hercules (XNUMXth) sealed the elimination of coach Simone Inzaghi's team, Salzburg's opponents in the group stage.

Minute of silence for Jota and Silva

After a minute's silence for Portuguese Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car accident on Thursday, the match began in Florida. In front of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who spotted many empty seats in the stands at Camping World Stadium, the two surprise teams of the round of 16 began their match leisurely in summery temperatures.

Fluminense defeated Al-Hilal in the battle for the semifinals. © APA / BUDA MENDES

Martinelli spectacularly converted the first dangerous scoring opportunity. At the other end, 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Flavio spectacularly saved a header from Kalidou Koulibaly with a flying save (45+1), before things quickly became hectic. Marcos Leonardo went down in the penalty area, and referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the penalty spot. After a VAR check, the Dutchman announced via the broadcast that it was "normal football contact."

Fluminense ice cold

After the break, Al Hilal rewarded themselves with a period of pressure, with Leonardo slotting home from close range after a Koulibaly header from a corner. Goalkeeper Bono then saved the game in a one-on-one with German Cano (55'). Although Al Hilal had more possession, Fluminense were more cool in front of goal. Substitute Hercules sealed the victory with a well-placed shot into the far corner. In the hectic stoppage time, Koulibaly was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty for a potential foul in the box.

Club World Cup, Quarterfinals – Results

Fluminense – Al Hilal 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: 1:0 Martinelli (40th), 1:1 Marcos Leonardo (51st), 2:1 Hercules (70th)

Palmeiras – Chelsea FC (Saturday, 3.00:XNUMX a.m.)
Paris Saint-Germain – FC Bayern Munich (Saturday, 18.00:XNUMX PM)
Real Madrid – Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, 22.00 p.m.)