Club World Cup: Fluminense defeat Al Hilal to advance to semi-finals

Fluminense defeated Al Hilal 2-1 in Orlando, becoming the first team to advance to the Club World Cup semi-final.

Martinelli scored the opening goal for the Brazilian side late in the first half with a fantastic solo effort. Marcos Leonardo equalised shortly after half-time, but Hercules restored Fluminense’s lead in the 70th minute, scoring off the bench for the second straight match.

Al Hilal was awarded a penalty kick in the first half, but head referee Danny Makkelie overturned the decision after consulting VAR.

Fluminense moves on to the semifinal against the winner of the Chelsea-Palmerias match later Friday at Philadelphia. The semifinal match will be held on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.