Arjit - Thursday, Jul 03, 2025Fluminense vs AL-Hilal: The series of big upsets continues in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and now in the quarter-finals, Brazilian giant Fluminense will take on Saudi Arabia's strong Al-Hilal. Both teams have surprised everyone by defeating European giants in their previous matches, making this match even more exciting.
Match: Fluminense vs Al-Hilal
Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Series: Quarter-finals
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time IST: 12:30 AM (next day, July 5) / Local time (Orlando): 3:00 PM
Stadium: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, United States
Broadcaster (India) Live Streaming: FanCode app and website. Free streaming may also be available on the FIFA+ app and website.
Broadcaster (others): DAZN (free streaming globally), Fubo (USA).
Fluminense: Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense pulled off a big upset by defeating Inter Milan 2-0 in the Round of 16. German Kano gave the team a great start by scoring in the third minute, and Hercules scored a second goal late to ensure victory. The Brazilian team has been performing brilliantly defensively so far in the tournament and has kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches. They are unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions. Their defensive lineup led by Thiago Silva looks extremely strong. Fluminense is representing South American football and they will be keen to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Al-Hilal: Al-Hilal beat defending champions Manchester City 4-3 after extra time in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Marcos Leonardo scored two goals while Kalidou Koulibaly and Malcolm also scored crucial goals. It was a great win for Simone Inzaghi, whose players are extremely fast and intense. Al-Hilal's squad includes several former European league players and are known for playing attacking football. The team also drew against Real Madrid and are unbeaten in the last nine matches. However, they have to deal with injuries to star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and captain Salem Al-Douayari, who has been replaced by newcomer Abderrazak Hamdallah on loan.
This will be the first encounter between Fluminense and Al-Hilal. This will be the fifth encounter between Brazilian and Saudi clubs in the Club World Cup.
The pitch at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando is generally of good quality which is suitable for attractive football. It is expected to be a fast-paced match where both teams will focus on attack.
For fantasy football enthusiasts, this encounter offers some great picks
German Kano: 37-year-old experienced striker who scored the opening goal against Inter. He is a constant goal-scoring threat.
Thiago Silva: 40-year-old captain and defender who is crucial to the defensive solidity and can also pose a threat from set-pieces.
Jhon Arriens: Fluminense's most creative player who creates chances and takes penalties and free-kicks.
Marcos Leonardo: Young Brazilian striker who scored two goals against Manchester City and is playing the role of main striker in the absence of Mitrovic.
Kalidou Koulibaly: A strong defender who scored against City.
Malcolm and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Important players in midfield and attack for Al-Hilal, who can score goals and assists.
Yacine Bono (Goalkeeper): Moroccan goalkeeper who made some great saves against Manchester City.
Goalkeeper: Yacine Bono (Al-Hilal).
Defenders: Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal), Ignacio (Fluminense).
Midfielders: John Arriens (Fluminense), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al-Hilal), Hercules (Fluminense).
Forwards: German Cano (Fluminense) (Captain), Marcos Leonardo (Al-Hilal) (Vice-Captain).
This match is expected to be an exciting and close contest. Both teams have beaten big European clubs in their previous matches and are full of confidence. Fluminense's defensive organisation and their ability to score late goals could be a big factor. Al-Hilal's attacking prowess and pace also make them dangerous.
However, Al-Hilal played extra time against Manchester City, which could leave them lacking energy. Fluminense handled Inter Milan's pressure with ease and their counter-attacks could cause problems for Al-Hilal.
Our prediction: Fluminense will beat Al-Hilal 2-1. It will be a tight contest, but Fluminense's balance and recent form could put them slightly ahead.
