Orlando, Florida-Thursday had points during the pre-match news conference of Renato Portaluppi when it seemed that Fluminense was trying to justify the need to play the FIFA club World Cup quarterfinal against coach Al-Hilal.

After the question in the tight media room at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, the question was about the financial bay between two clubs. Fluminense are dealing with money issues. Are supported by al-Hilal Saudi ArabiaPublic Investment Fund. In one phase, Portalupi admitted that his team had “ugly ducking” in the previous eight than others. He said that Fluminense is “difficulties” with his budget and has been accepted that Al-Hilal “are working under various circumstances”.

But time and time again, the 62 -year -old Brazil made his comments worthy with the same phrase: “Football is fixed on the pitch.” That is correct, and whatever difference may be existing in the context of bank balance in Florida.

Fluminense again showed the determination and flexibility that he was served so well during his time in the US and booked his place in the semi-finals with a 2–1 victory over his rich Saudi opponents. After the final whistle, the players and employees added arms and danced around the center circle.

Next to Kick Off, Portalupi said that his campaign in the US was a “magical moment”. It is not over yet.

Portalupi said, “Fluminance fans are proud of what we have done in this club World Cup.” “Wear a jersey, go to the beach, go to the road, go to the mall. This team is doing beautiful things.

“When we talk about finance, we talk about ugly duck, but on the pitch it is 11 than 11. Our rival wants it but we want it even more. We will fly to New York to play semi -finals and it is well worthy.”

Clubs arrived in the World Cup with very little expectation. He qualified as the winners of the 2023 Copa Libertdores, but had been battling most of the last season for the last season. BrazilSecond division. After 11 games of this season, they sit in the sixth position in the table. In the final -16 against the Champions League, in the final -16, he won 2–0. He was also not against Al-Hilal, but he was defensive and skilled in front of the target.

Portalupi said, “We had some opportunities, but we knew how to make the best of them.”

Fluminance scored on the target with its first two shots. In the first half was a stunning strike for the first time from Martinelly, the second time winner of 20 -minute option Hercules. (He also came out of the bench to score against Inter.) Thiago silvaIn September 41, the experience and defense with strategic nous melted. Goalkeeper Fabio44, pulled An extraordinary savings To stop Kalidau Kulibali Header.

40 ‘martinelliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 🇭🇺@Fluminensefc Thanks 1-0 for a wonderful goal of Brazil. pic.twitter.com/Z23sR61KQY

– Dazn football (@daznfootball) July 4, 2025

“Thiago Silva is very large,” said portalupi. “He is a coach on the pitch. He calms and experiences other players. He is the captain, leader and it is important to have a player with his profile in hard matches against great clubs.

“He is original. During the week we try not to use him in training, so he is 100% available for the match.”

Al-Hilal’s main threat was Ruben Neos‘Free-Kicks and delivery from corners-it led a single equal Marcos Leonardo – But they could not repeat the performance in which they were shocked Manchester City 4-3 after additional time in the final round. Perhaps the beating city took a lot of them.

Two players, navs and compatriots Joao canceledHe was also working with a sad loss of a close friend. The pair was in tears before kick-off During one minute silence In memory of international team partner Diogo jotaWho died in a car accident with his brother Andre silva On Thursday.

Coach Simon Injagi said, “We have to say thanks to Ruben and Joao.” “We all touched the tragedy. They come Portugal So they were really sad. He did not give up and played the game in the best possible way, but he was very sad about his two friends who died. ,

Despite the defeat, after leaving the Inter Milan, the job was parachted a few days before the Club World Cup, Injagi said that his team has taken a significant step forward – especially thanks to the city’s victory. When he woke up to leave after the post -news conference after his match, he was dropped from the room by Saudi reporters. Al-Hilal is outside, but he has left his mark.

“The tournament was a milestone,” said Injagi. “They put their heart on the pitch. We played five games in 16 games and they gave it everything. I can’t really guilty them for anything. It has been a beautiful tournament, but of course we are a bit sad and sour tonight tonight.”

Meanwhile, fluminense, proceed. They reached the final of the last club World Cup – although the small version – before being beaten by the city well. They arrived in America with little expectation to repeat the feat, but now just sit away from the final.

Portalupi’s team will probably be the final four again underdog, although it has been a wonderful summer: their results mean that Flmines now is up to $ 60.8 million in the FIFA Club World Cup in the World Cup, which is equal to 81.7% of their total revenue last year. After defying obstacles already to overcome this, it will now be brave to place bets against them.