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.

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 superrich Al Hilal to cruise into the final four.