Inter fall to Fluminense as Club World Cup journey ends early
Inter’s 2025 Club World Cup journey ended in disappointment as they suffered a 2-0 round of 16 defeat to Fluminense in Charlotte. A disastrous early defensive error gifted German Cano a simple header in the third minute, and a stoppage-time strike from Hercules sealed the result.
Cano capitalized on a deflected Jhon Arias cross after a total communication breakdown between Yann Sommer and his defenders. In stoppage time, a long throw was flicked on and Hercules coolly slotted into the far corner to cap the upset.
Inter created plenty of chances - Federico Dimarco struck the bar, Lautaro Martinez hit the post and was denied by 44-year-old keeper Fabio, while Stefan de Vrij missed from point-blank range. Simone Inzaghi's absence was clearly felt again here as the Nerazzurri disappointed.
For Inter, the focus now shifts to preparing for pre-season and regrouping ahead of the upcoming Serie A season. Cristian Chivu certainly has a lot of work on his hands.