Renato Gaúcho on Fluminense’s Next Step: “There Are No Easy Matches”

Fluminense secured their spot in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in Miami. The result allowed them to finish second in Group F, just behind Borussia Dortmund, and set up a clash with Inter, who topped Group E after eliminating River Plate.

Speaking after the match, Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho made it clear that his team is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead. “There are no easy matches, and this tournament has proven that,” said the coach, who won the Copa Libertadores with Grêmio in 2017 and was later knocked out by River in the 2018 semifinals.

“I don’t have any preference about our opponent,” he added. “Whoever we face, we’ll work hard to get to the next stage. We know how tough it is.”

Renato also pointed out that reaching the round of 16 was a key target. “We achieved our goal, which was qualification,” he said. Fluminense finished the group stage with five points, having drawn with Dortmund in a strong opening performance, defeated Ulsan Hyundai in a thriller, and ended with a draw against Sundowns.

Their next challenge is Inter, who beat River 2-0 to top their group. In the other confirmed fixture, Monterrey—after thrashing Urawa Red Diamonds—will take on Dortmund.