Club World Cup Drama: Fluminense Knock Out Inter Milan 2-0

Inter Milan's campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 came to a surprising halt in the Round of 16 after suffering a 0-2 defeat to Brazilian side Fluminense a result considered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Despite being underestimated, Fluminense shocked fans early by scoring just three minutes into the match. Starting from a cross by Arias, the ball accidentally deflected off Bastoni’s foot and changed direction, setting up Cano perfectly to head the ball in near the goal, catching goalkeeper Sommer off guard.

After conceding the early goal, Inter Milan immediately ramped up their formation in search of an equalizer. An intense attacking game unfolded, but no further goals came in the first half.

Fluminense actually managed to put the ball into the net again with a header from Ignacio, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

In the second half, the match tempo intensified. Arias nearly scored a sensational goal in the 62nd minute, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Sommer. Inter then missed a golden opportunity when De Vrij’s shot went wide, despite the goal being almost completely open.

In the closing minutes, Inter continued to pile on the pressure, but misfortune haunted Lautaro Martinez and his teammates, who couldn’t find the equalizer.

The bitter climax came during injury time, when Hercules scored to double Fluminense’s lead. Dimarco’s shot hit the crossbar in the final seconds, seemingly sealing the fate of the Champions League runners-up.

Fluminense confidently advances to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, joining fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras.