The highly anticipated Inter vs Fluminense showdown in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup took place on Monday, June 30, 2025. The match kicked off at 3:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. GMT) at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This Round of 16 fixture was a win-or-go-home battle, with both teams eyeing a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.
Match Details
- Fixture: Inter Milan vs Fluminense
- Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Round of 16
- Date: June 30, 2025 (Monday)
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. GMT)
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Inter vs Fluminense: Match Highlights and Key Moments
The clash was a dramatic encounter between European giants Inter Milan and Brazilian champions Fluminense. Fluminense, fresh from their Copa Libertadores triumph, delivered a stunning performance to upset Inter Milan with a 2-0 victory.
Key Moments
- Early Breakthrough: Fluminense struck first in the third minute with a close-range header from German Cano, setting the tone for the match.
- Defensive Resilience: Despite heavy pressure from Inter in the second half, Fluminense’s defense, marshaled by 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva, held firm.
- Sealing the Win: Substitute Hercules scored in stoppage time to secure the win for Fluminense.
- Tactical Masterclass: Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho surprised Inter by deploying a three-center-back formation, effectively shutting down Inter’s wing play and frustrating their attacks.
Notable Performances
- Fluminense: German Cano (goal), Hercules (goal), Thiago Silva (defensive leadership)
- Inter Milan: Lautaro Martínez (hit the post), Federico Dimarco (struck the woodwork in stoppage time)
Tactical Analysis
Fluminense’s tactical flexibility was key to their victory. Coach Renato Gaucho switched to a 3-5-2 formation, a system familiar to Inter but rarely used by Fluminense. This change stifled Inter’s attacking outlets and allowed the Brazilian side to control key moments of the game. The defensive trio, supported by disciplined midfielders, neutralized Inter’s threats from the wings and forced them into less dangerous positions.
| Stat | Inter Milan | Fluminense |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 2 |
| Shots | 16 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | Not specified* | Not specified* |
| Possession | Dominated by Inter | Less possession |
| Key Moments | Lautaro Martínez hit the upright; Dimarco forced saves; De Vrij missed from close range | Germán Cano scored (3’), Hércules scored (90’+3) |
| Clean Sheets | 0 | 1 (third in tournament) |
With this victory, Fluminense advanced to the Club World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face either Manchester City or Al Hilal in Orlando on Friday. Inter Milan, meanwhile, exit the tournament after a disappointing performance, still adjusting to their new coach and seeking answers after a difficult season.