Table of Contents
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FC face off on Wednesday ended in a 0-0 draw
- This knocked out Sundowns from Club World Cup
- This was their golden chance to make a run at Club World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FC face off on Wednesday ended in a goalless draw.
This knocked out Sundowns from Club World Cup. This was their golden chance to make a run at Club World Cup. They started on a high by defeating Ulsan in their first game, but lost the second to Dortmund with a 4-3 score.
South African fans had great faith in the team qualifying for the later stages of the Club World Cup. However, the game was too tight for both clubs, forcing the Sundowns out of the tournament after the draw.
How Mamelodi Sundowns Vs Fluminense FC Went Down
Some 14,312 football fans thronged Hard Rock Stadium for the match between the two heavyweights. Still, it was a low turnout since Hard Rock Stadium has a 64,767 capacity.
All seemed to be in favour of South Africa in Mamelodi Sundowns Vs Fluminense FC showdown, but neither of the two sides scored.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso. Photo/Sollybb22
The Sundowns had a 68% ball possession in the first half of the match. The South Africans had three clear shots on target but failed to convert.
Fluminense had a fine opportunity in the 40th minute courtesy of Nonato on the fringe of the box, but failed to equalise.
Thiago Silva watched the opportunity to score against Sundowns wither away while seated on the stands.
The 40-year-old Fluminense star did not start due to muscle pain,n and Germán Cano took his place.
Fluminense required only a draw to qualify for the next round of the Club World Cup. They brought the Sundowns under intense pressure with Cano giving them a major headache.
He missed a goal by a whisker in the 58th minute after Jhon Arias passed the ball to him.
Fluminense were one of four Brazilian teams (in company with Palmeiras, Botafogo and Flamengo) that reached the round of 16 in the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian club had drawn with Dortmund 0-0, but later beat Ulsan 4-2.
Fan Reaction
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense. Photo/CEO_Makoprosh
South Africans had a lot to says following Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense FC game. Most of them praised the team for playing well despite the draw.
Miguel Cardoso, the Sundowns coach said that the game with the Brazilian team showed that his squad had great players.
According to MSN, he said that: “We showed the quality of the players, the technical ability of the players, and all the work from the past that has been done in the club, and also my work and my staff and assistant coaches.”
He said the draw wasn’t the outcome he was expecting, but it shed some light on the quality of the team and what should be done moving forward.
Fans on X had this to say:
Mamelodi Sundowns Players. Photo/Lwazi
“Great effort Mamelodi Sundowns. We were so close to making the top 16. Making SA Proud,” Guru said.
Sipho said: “The boys gave it all, few minor mistakes that they need to work on but all in all what a team.”
However, a section of fans felt let down by the Sundowns at Hard Rock Stadium.
“What a disjointed performance passes with no clear direction. Not a single meaningful combination, just the same repetitive approach: building from the back. And even though it’s clearly not working. Let’s see what they bring to the second half,” Lwazi said.
Sol cast aspersions on Cardoso, blaming him for the loss.
“I still say this coach is questionable. Every lost and draw in crucial games cost us.”
