Martinelli put Fluminense in front in the 40th minute with a brilliant strike. His first touch took Gabriel Fuentes’s pass beyond a charging Al Hilal defender, and his second unleashed a ferocious left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to the top right corner from about 15 yards (14 metres).

The first of the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals came to life just before half-time as the Brazilians of Fluminense edged out Al Hilal

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.

Goals from Martinelli and Hercules sent Fluminense through to the semi-final of the Club World Cup as they edged past Al-Hilal.

Enzo Maresca's side reached the Club World Cup final after their effective pressing in a 4-3-3 shape left their opponents with no answer

Fluminense's Samuel Xavier, left, and Hercules. celebrate after a goal during the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Fluminense and Al Hilal in Orlando, Fla., Friday, July 4, 2025 ...