Hercules scores the late clincher as Fluminense ousted Inter Milan from the Club World Cup. -AP
Brazilian side Fluminense have stunned Champions League finalists Inter Milan by knocking them out of the Club World Cup with a 2-0 victory in Charlotte.
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The reign of new Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu, who took over following Simone Inzaghi's departure just days after that humbling loss to Paris St Germain a month ago, has not started well as they exited the tournament before the quarter-finals.
Fluminense struck after three minutes when Cano pounced on a deflected cross and headed in from close range, putting the ball through goalkeeper Yann Sommer's legs for a dream start.
The Italians pushed for an equaliser after the break but were frustrated by a well-organised defence. Stefan de Vrij missed a close-range chance, keeper Fabio denied Sebastiano Esposito with his feet and Lautaro Martinez struck the post.
Substitute Hercules sealed the win for Fluminense three minutes into added time, calmly slotting home from the edge of the box to send the Brazilians through to a last-eight clash with either Manchester City or Al Hilal on Friday in Orlando.
Fluminense played with more poise throughout the match and became the second Brazilian club team to reach the quarter-finals, joining Palmeiras.
Milan certainly had their chances, but couldn't will the ball into the net.
Lautaro Martinez had a point-blank shot in the second half to tie the game, but the ball bounced off the upright.
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