We know the identity of the first qualified club for the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. Even if they trembled, was jostled and worried until the end by al-Hilal, the Brazilians of Fluminense did not fall for it and offered a place in the last square of the football competition organized by FIFA.
A qualification obtained at the end of the suspense (2-1), Friday July 4 at the World Stadium campsite in Orlando, opposite the Saudi club now led by Simone Inzaghi and author of a feat against Manchester City in the 8th finals (4-3 after prolongation).
Midfielder Matheus Martinelli scored the first goal (40th) and Hercules, his replacement after half, scored that of victory (70th). Meanwhile, another Brazilian, Marcos Leonardo, had equalized (51st).
At the final whistle, Thiago Silva kneel on the lawn. Arms to the sky in an attitude that PSG supporters know well. The former defender and captain of the Parisian club savor the moment. At 40, it seems stainless. The nose still bruised by a blow but the pain less.
He is soon joined by his partners who enclose him. Meanwhile, other Fluminense players are already heading for the stands to celebrate victory with their supporters. They know how to play and dance the cariocas.
The Doyenne team of Rio de Janeiro, created in 1902, fell from Inter Milan (2-0), finalist of the last Champions League, in the previous round, continues his American adventure. In the half, she will face another Brazilian club, Palmeiras, or an Englishman, Chelsea, who clashes in the evening.
Note that the match was preceded by a poignant minute of silence in tribute to the Portuguese player of Liverpool, Diogo Jota, who died with his brother after a road accident on the night of Wednesday to Thursday.
