Fluminense and Al-Hilal are tied at 1-1 in the first half of the FIFA Club World Cup, with a goal from Martinelli and tension over a VAR-reviewed penalty. The match, valid for the quarterfinals, takes place this Friday, July 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, United States. Under intense heat, the game is marked by competitive plays, yellow cards, and attentive refereeing analyzing critical moments. The Brazilian Tricolor aims to advance to the semifinals, while the Saudi team presses with offensive plays. The outcome remains open for the second half, with suspended players threatening both teams.
The clash features two teams in top form. Fluminense, led by Renato Gaúcho, comes off a solid 2-0 win against Inter Milan in the round of 16, maintaining a ten-game unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal, under Simone Inzaghi, surprised by eliminating Manchester City 4-3 in extra time, showcasing offensive strength. The match, broadcast by Globo, SporTV, CazéTV, and DAZN, draws Brazilian and Saudi fans in Orlando, with tickets ranging from 30 to 150 dollars.
- Early highlights: Martinelli shines with a stunning goal at the 39th minute, following a cross from Samuel Xavier and a mistake by the opposing defense.
- VAR tension: A penalty awarded to Al-Hilal at the 46th minute is under review, creating anticipation in the stadium.
- Suspended players: Players like Martinelli, Freytes, and Renan Lodi, already cautioned, may miss the next stage.
Both teams show caution, but Fluminense capitalizes on Al-Hilal’s errors to create chances. The heat in Orlando, with a hydration break at the 30th minute, affects the game’s pace.
Balance marks the start of the match
The game began with both teams adopting conservative approaches, exchanging passes in midfield without risking bolder moves. In the first 15 minutes, well-organized defenses hindered clear scoring opportunities. Fluminense, with a three-defender formation, relied on defensive solidity, while Al-Hilal sought to exploit the speed of Malcom and Marcos Leonardo. The lack of risks, however, limited goal chances, with defenses prevailing over attacks.
At the 18th minute, Nonato took the game’s first shot, though off-target. The Tricolor midfielder dispossessed Kanno, advanced in a counterattack, and attempted a finish, but the ball sailed over Bono’s goal. This moment sparked a more dynamic phase, with Fluminense gaining confidence. The crowd, heavily present at Camping World Stadium, rallied behind the Brazilian side, which began pressing through the flanks.
Yellow cards heighten tension
The refereeing, led by Dutchman Danny Makkelie, was strict from the outset. At the 10th minute, Al-Hilal’s Milinkovic-Savic received a yellow card for a harsh foul on Nonato, halting a promising Fluminense counterattack. The decision sparked complaints from the Saudi players, but it stood. Eleven minutes later, Renan Lodi was also cautioned for fouling Samuel Xavier, who was breaking free on the right. The left-back, already on a yellow, became a certain absence for a potential semifinal.
For Fluminense, the situation is also concerning. Martinelli, at the 42nd minute, was booked for a foul on Kanno, hitting the opponent’s neck. Freytes, at the 34th minute, was another cautioned after misplacing a pass and fouling Malcom. These cards signal a risk for the Tricolor, with eight other players, including Cano, Arias, and Nonato, also on the edge. Discipline will be key to avoiding further absences in future stages.
- Fluminense players cautioned: Martinelli, Freytes.
- Al-Hilal players cautioned: Milinkovic-Savic, Renan Lodi.
- Immediate impact: Renan Lodi’s foul led to a dangerous ball in the box, but the Saudi defense cleared the threat.
Martinelli’s stunner shifts the score
At the 39th minute, Fluminense took the lead with a brilliant goal from Martinelli. The move started with Samuel Xavier crossing from the right. Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves misjudged a header, and João Cancelo compounded the error with a poor clearance. Fuentes regained possession and passed to Martinelli, who, with a quick turn past Milinkovic-Savic, fired a precise shot into Bono’s top left corner. The stadium erupted, and the Tricolor midfielder celebrated with the fans, cementing his role as a key figure in midfield.
The goal rewarded Fluminense’s patience, as they exploited the opponent’s defensive lapses. Martinelli, already a standout in the win over Inter Milan, displayed technical quality and composure. The lead, however, didn’t ensure calm, as Al-Hilal ramped up pressure in the final minutes of the first half, seeking an equalizer before the break.
Penalty and VAR create suspense
In stoppage time, at the 46th minute, the game hit a peak of tension. After a short Al-Hilal corner, Rúben Neves crossed to the far post, where Samuel Xavier tripped Marcos Leonardo. Referee Danny Makkelie immediately signaled a penalty, prompting protests from Fluminense players. The call is now under VAR review, assessing whether the contact warranted the decision. The stadium waits in silence as the referee evaluates the play on the monitor.
This moment could be pivotal. If the penalty is upheld, Al-Hilal has a chance to level the score before halftime, altering the second-half dynamics. If overturned, Fluminense will maintain the lead and gain a psychological boost. The VAR review underscores the importance of technology in modern football, especially in high-stakes knockout matches.
Timeline: key moments of the first half
The opening 48 minutes were intense, with plays that set the match’s tone. Below are the main events so far:
- 10’ – Yellow card for Milinkovic-Savic: The Al-Hilal midfielder commits a hard foul on Nonato, stopping a Fluminense counterattack.
- 21’ – Yellow card for Renan Lodi: The Al-Hilal left-back fouls Samuel Xavier, leading to a dangerous ball in the box.
- 34’ – Yellow card for Freytes: The Tricolor defender mispasses and fouls Malcom, earning a caution.
- 39’ – Fluminense goal: Martinelli fires a stunning shot into the top corner after a defensive error by Al-Hilal, opening the score.
- 46’ – Penalty awarded to Al-Hilal: Samuel Xavier trips Marcos Leonardo, but the call is under VAR review.
Tricolor defense shines
Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio was crucial in preserving the lead. At the 45th minute, he made a spectacular save on a header from Koulibaly, following a Rúben Neves free-kick. The 44-year-old veteran palmed the ball out for a corner, preventing an equalizer. The Tricolor’s defensive solidity, with Thiago Silva and Ignácio, was also vital in neutralizing Al-Hilal’s attacks, particularly on set pieces.
Renato Gaúcho’s three-defender setup proved effective. Despite Freytes’ error that led to a dangerous free-kick, the Tricolor backline blocked key plays, such as Nasser’s shot at the 25th minute, diverted by Ignácio. The defensive system, combined with tight midfield marking, allowed Fluminense to control much of the game, even under pressure.
Al-Hilal seeks gaps with speed
The Saudi side, despite conceding, remained unfazed. Malcom and Marcos Leonardo, former Brazilian league stars, are the main offensive threats. At the 24th minute, Milinkovic-Savic nearly created a clear chance, but his cross found no teammates. Inzaghi’s team relies on quick counterattacks, capitalizing on Fluminense’s passing errors, like Thiago Silva’s mistake that sparked a dangerous move.
The absence of Salem Al-Dawsari, sidelined by injury, is felt, but Al-Hilal compensates with its foreign stars. Rúben Neves, with precise passing, and João Cancelo, on the right flank, provide constant options. The team, however, struggles to breach Fluminense’s defense, which closes ranks and forces errors.
Refereeing in the spotlight
Danny Makkelie, an experienced referee, manages the match with authority, though not without controversy. The penalty call at the 46th minute, now under review, is the highlight of his performance so far. The Dutchman was strict with cards, punishing tactical fouls on both sides. The VAR’s presence, critical for controversial calls, heightens anticipation in the stadium.
Dutch refereeing is known for impartiality, but the penalty review will shape perceptions of Makkelie’s performance. Fluminense, which has faced refereeing issues in past matches, hopes the VAR corrects any errors. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, trusts the penalty to level the score.
Second half promises excitement
With the score at 1-0 and the penalty under review, the second half is set to be fiercely contested. Fluminense must stay focused to avoid further suspensions, while Al-Hilal will look to leverage its attacking prowess to overturn the deficit. The hydration break, necessitated by Orlando’s heat, gave both teams a chance to tweak strategies.
Renato Gaúcho is likely to reinforce midfield marking, while Inzaghi may opt for tactical changes to increase pressure. The crowd, filling Camping World Stadium, remains a boost, especially for Fluminense, backed by Brazilian fans in the U.S. The match, still open, keeps expectations high for a thrilling conclusion.