Fluminense secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Hilal in a quarterfinal match held in Orlando, Florida. The Brazilian side, considered one of the tournament's underdogs, showcased resilience and tactical prowess to overcome the Saudi Arabian team.

The match began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out. However, the game burst into life towards the end of the first half. In the 40th minute, Matheus Martinelli put Fluminense ahead with a stunning strike. Gabriel Fuentes provided the assist, and Martinelli unleashed a ferocious left-footed shot from about 15 yards out that found the top right corner of the net, leaving Al Hilal's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance.

Al Hilal responded strongly in the second half. In the 51st minute, Kalidou Koulibaly headed the ball into the goal area from a corner, and Marcos Leonardo was on hand to hook it past the goalkeeper Fabio, leveling the score. It was Leonardo's fourth goal of the tournament.

With the game tied, Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho made a tactical substitution, bringing on Hercules. The substitution proved to be a masterstroke as Hercules, who had also scored in the previous match against Inter Milan, once again found the net. In the 70th minute, Hercules received a flick-on from Samuel Xavier, took a touch to create space, and then fired a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, sending the Fluminense fans into raptures. Hercules' goal was his second in as many second-half appearances.

Al Hilal, who had eliminated Manchester City in the previous round, pushed hard for an equaliser in the final 15 minutes. However, Fluminense defended resolutely, throwing their bodies on the line to keep Al Hilal at bay. Koulibaly was shown a yellow card for diving as his team's penalty appeals were turned down.

Fluminense's victory means they will now face Chelsea in the semi-finals, in a match scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Fluminense captain Thiago Silva expressed his delight and pride in his team's performance. Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi felt his team deserved more from the game, while Koulibaly voiced his frustration with the referee's decisions.