Fluminense's coach said before Friday's Club World Cup quarterfinal that 'soccer is decided on the pitch,' not via bank balance. Then they defeated super-rich Al Hilal to cruise into the final four.

Matheus Martinelli and substitute Hercules struck as Brazilian side Fluminense advanced to the Club World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Saudi club Al-Hilal. Martinelli fired into the top corner after finding some room in the box following Gabriel Fuentes' cutback five minutes before half-time although they were quickly pegged back in Orlando.

Fluminense are the first club to book their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. On Friday night, the Brazilians outclassed Al Hilal (2-1), clinching victory thanks to a decisive goal from Hércules.