South American eve - Brazilians keep dominating, Argentinians keep drawing

Brazilian clubs are sending a completely different energy this summer at the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in its new format, with all four teams shining. Fluminense defeated Ulsan Hyundai 4-2 (1-2) in the second-round match, earning their fourth point in the tournament. If Fluzao secures at least a draw in the last round against Mamelodi, they will qualify for the round of 16.

Less than two minutes into the game, Ulsan’s goalkeeper, considered the best in South Korea, had to showcase his full talent. First, he made an outstanding save on a volley from the famous Paulo Henrique Ganso, then acrobatically stopped a powerful follow-up shot from the same player over the crossbar. Fluminense’s pressure didn’t ease – in the 14th minute, Juan Pablo Freites headed just past the post.

The reward for their dominance came in the 27th minute. John Arias scored a fantastic free-kick goal, sending the ball straight into the net’s top corner. Just a few minutes later, goalkeeper Jo shined again with two quick saves against Gabriel Fuentes.

However, the end of the first half belonged to a completely different Ulsan. In the 43rd minute, after a counterattack started deep in their half, Um Won Sang missed the ball, but it bounced perfectly to Lee Jin Hyun, who calmly finished into the net. Then, deep into stoppage time, Lee returned the favor – his cross found Um’s head perfectly for a surprising turnaround and a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Ulsan could have scored a third goal in the 56th minute, but Um was inaccurate and ended up on the ground instead of putting the ball in the net. Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho then brought on three new players, including Nonato, a former Ludogorets player, who calmly equalized in the 67th minute with a shot to the bottom right corner.

The football drama reached its peak in the 83rd minute – Freites, who had earlier nearly scored, was merciless this time and hammered the ball into the net following an assist from Hernan Cano. Just when it seemed the match would end 3-2, Keno put the final touch in stoppage time – a precise cross from Arias and a powerful header sealed the 4-2 victory.

The final match of the day at the FIFA Club World Cup between River Plate and Monterrey ended goalless.

In a game filled with yellow cards (and one red), not much was seen on the pitch, as neither team showed their full potential. Tonight, everything was overshadowed by the atmosphere. Rose Bowl, the stadium where legends have fallen and memories were born — from Baggio’s penalty into the clouds to Hadzi’s ballet against Argentina — once again became a battlefield for football identity. No glass, no VIP boxes with champagne. Just concrete stands, sun, song, and the roar of the fans.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025

Matchday 2

Sunday

Fluminense - Ulsan 4-2 (1-2)

/Arias 27, Nonato 66, Freytes 83, Keno 90+2 - Lee 37, Um 45+3/

River Plate - Monterrey 0-0

19:00: (1.22) Juventus (6.25) Wydad Casablanca (14.0)

22:00: (1.22) Real Madrid (6.50) Pachuca (12.0)