The first of the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals gets under way with the meeting of two mighty continents as South American giants Fluminense take on Asian powerhouse Al Hilal.
As successful as both sides have been in their own continents, however, their appearance in the last eight has come courtesy of both upsetting the odds – and in particular European super clubs – to reach this stage.
Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the first of the quarterfinals as FIFA’s billion-dollar tournament closes towards its finale.
How did Fluminense reach the quarterfinals?
Fluminense finished second in Group H behind Borussia Dortmund with a win against Ulsan and draws against the German table toppers and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
That set up a round-of-16 meeting with defeated Champions League finalist Inter Milan.
German Cano’s third-minute strike was followed up by a second from Hercules in the third minute of added time to seal a shock 2-0 win against the Serie A runners-up.
Who did Al Hilal beat to reach the quarterfinals?
Al Hilal secured second spot behind Real Madrid in Group H after draws against the Spanish giants and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, and a win against Mexico’s Pachuca.
A daunting test against defending Club World Cup champions, Manchester City.
A thrilling 4-3 win after extra time sent the Saudi Pro League club into the quarterfinals with one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
Who could Fluminense or Al Hilal face in the semifinal?
The winner of this match will face the winner of the second quarterfinal, England’s Chelsea or Brazil’s Palmeiras, in the last four.
That tie will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia immediately after the Fluminense and Al Hilal match.
Who completes the Club World Cup quarterfinal lineup?
Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund complete the quarterfinal lineup, with the winners of those ties facing each other in the semifinals.
Fluminense captain Thiago Silva’s pre-match thoughts
“I think we’ve played very well in this competition. It’s not easy to play against European teams, but the motivation for us is different,” Silva said. “I’m very proud of my team and myself as well, because 10 days ago I had a hamstring injury. Now, we need to recover well because, after three or four days, we have to play again. I’m not young, you know? So I need to recover well.”
