JEDDAH – Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz praised his team’s experience for securing a 2-0 victory against Al Ahly, earning them a spot in the Club World Cup final on Monday.
Jhon Arias scored both goals in the final 20 minutes, propelling the Brazilians to the final where they will face either Manchester City or Urawa Reds.
Al Ahly had multiple missed chances, with the African champions unable to breach the defence of 43-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio.
Diniz acknowledged the significance of the age and experience of his players, including 40-year-old Felipe Melo, the oldest outfield player in Club World Cup history.
“Did the age of our players help? I think it absolutely did,” said Diniz.
“Marcelo was decisive, especially for the penalty.”
Marcelo, 35, won the decisive penalty, and the mix of youth and experience has been a key factor in Fluminense‘s success this year.
“They call us the 40-somethings, but we aim to help the younger players with this experience,” said Marcelo.
“I think it is this mix of young players and experience that has helped Fluminense a lot.”
The victory sends Fluminense to the final, and Diniz emphasized their resilience, saying, “We should have conceded goals, they played really well, and our goalkeeper saved us several times. But we have a very strong characteristic: we never give up.”
The decorated Brazilian club’s journey to the final marks a narrowing gap between South America’s best and the rest of the world in the Club World Cup.
The upcoming final will see Fluminense facing either Manchester City or Urawa Reds, and Diniz’s team appears ready for the challenge.
On this evidence, there is little for Guardiola’s City to fear in the final should they see off Asian champions Urawa.
