Fluminense completed a full Brazilian contingent in the Club World Cup round of 16 after a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns secured their progress from Group F on Wednesday.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Fluminense advanced after finishing second in the group with five points, two behind group winners Borussia Dortmund, who edged Ulsan 1-0.
The result set up a last-16 clash next Monday in Charlotte, where Fluminense will face either River Plate, Inter Milan, or Monterrey.
They join fellow Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo in the business end of the 32-club tournament.
Sundowns, who finish third with four points, will be left to lament missed opportunities after a promising start. Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews both came close early on, only to be denied by 44-year-old veteran goalkeeper Fábio.
The South African side controlled possession and attacked in waves from the flanks but were unable to convert their dominance into goals.
Fluminense responded with greater urgency after the half-hour cooling break and nearly snatched the lead in the 57th minute, when Germán Cano’s low volley struck the post.
Though the 65,000-plus capacity stadium was largely empty, with only 14,312 fans showing up, a blend of Brazilian chants and South African drum beats brought a festive energy to the contest.
A first-half goal from Daniel Svensson secured Borussia Dortmund’s place in the Club World Cup round of 16, as they claimed a 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan on Wednesday.
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The German side started strongly, with Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi posing a constant threat to Ulsan’s defence. Svensson broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a close-range strike.
Ulsan goalkeeper Hyeon-Woo Jo made several impressive saves to prevent Dortmund from extending their lead, denying Serhou Guirassy’s header and strikes from Pascal Gross and Yan Couto.
Dortmund finished top of Group F, with Fluminense in second.
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