Fluminense progress at CWC as Mamelodi Sundowns bow out

Fluminense completed a full Brazilian contingent in the Club World Cup round of 16 after a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns secured their progression from Group F on Wednesday.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Fluminense advanced after finishing second in the group with five points, two behind group winners Borussia Dortmund, who edged Ulsan HD 1-0.

The result set up a last-16 clash next Monday in Charlotte, where Fluminense will face either River Plate, Inter Milan, or Monterrey.

They join fellow Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo in the business end of the 32-club tournament.

"The squad is to be congratulated, as are the fans," Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho said. "We achieved what we came here to achieve, qualification in the first phase. We knew we would have a lot of difficulty, but sometimes it is better to suffer and qualify, than to want to play well and lose."

Sundowns, who finish third with four points, will be left to lament missed opportunities after a promising start.

"For the African teams it all comes down to efficiency in front of goal," said Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams. "We had our chances in the match but we did not bury them. We saw that also with the Al Ahly against Porto game and the number of chances they missed."

Lucas Ribeiro and Tashreeq Matthews both came close early on, only to be denied by 44-year-old veteran goalkeeper Fabio.

The South African side controlled possession and attacked in waves from the flanks but were unable to convert their dominance into goals.

Fluminense responded with greater urgency after the half-hour cooling break and nearly snatched the lead in the 57th minute, when German Cano's low volley struck the post.

Though the 65,000-plus capacity stadium was largely empty, with only 14,312 fans showing up, a blend of Brazilian chants and South African drum beats brought a festive energy to the contest.