CL finalist is out: Fluminense embarrasses Inter and is in the quarterfinals

Charlotte. For Inter Milan, the Club World Cup in the USA ended in bitter disappointment. The Champions League finalists lost 2-0 (0-1) to Fluminense in the round of 16. German Cano (3rd minute) and Hercules (90th+3) scored the goals for the Brazilian team from Rio de Janeiro in temperatures well over 30 degrees Celsius in Charlotte.

Coach Cristian Chivu's Inter players appeared tired at the start of the match in the heat. In front of just 20,030 spectators, the South Americans took advantage of a lapse in concentration by the Italian defense in the third minute. Argentinian Cano headed the ball through the legs of former Bundesliga goalkeeper Yann Sommer from close range to make it 1-0. In the 39th minute, the Fluminense players celebrated again – but it was too early. Central defender Ignacio was offside when he scored his header in the arena, which seats more than 75,000.

Shortly before halftime, there was a minor commotion on the pitch. Inter's Henrich Mkhitaryan attempted a throw-in on the touchline, but Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho snatched the ball away from the former Dortmund player. Mkhitaryan then clashed with Gaucho and several Fluminense players. Referee Ivan Barton showed Gaucho a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The Brazilians also had the majority of the game in the second half. Inter goalkeeper Sommer was just able to deflect a stunning shot from Jhon Arias around the post in the 62nd minute. Towards the end of the game, Inter threatened the Fluminense goal several times. Star striker Lautaro Martinez (82nd minute) hit the post for the Champions League finalists. Hercules sealed the victory for the Brazilians in stoppage time.

RND/dpa