The Club World Cup Group F concludes on Wednesday with three teams vying for two places in the round of 16. Among these teams are South Africa`s Mamelodi Sundowns and Brazil`s Fluminense, scheduled to play each other at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Fluminense currently leads the group and needs only a draw on Wednesday to qualify, positioning them as a strong contender, alongside Borussia Dortmund, for a place in the last 16. Sundowns, however, face a more challenging path. They must secure a victory on Wednesday and rely on Borussia Dortmund losing to Ulsan HD. This latter outcome is improbable, as the South Korean team is already out of the tournament.
Nevertheless, Sundowns should not be underestimated. Despite their loss to Dortmund in their second group match, they pushed the German side hard in a 4-3 thriller. With qualification for the next round at stake – and a potential $7.5 million in extra prize money – they are capable of putting up a strong fight for the full 90 minutes.
Here`s what you need to know before the match:
Match Details: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense
- Date: Wednesday, June 25
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
- Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns +310; Draw +260; Fluminense -125
Qualification Scenarios for Group F
Fluminense advance to the round of 16 with:
- A win or a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
- A loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, provided Borussia Dortmund also lose to Ulsan HD by the same or a larger goal margin as Fluminense`s defeat.
Borussia Dortmund advance to the round of 16 with:
- A win or a draw against Ulsan HD.
- A loss to Ulsan HD, provided Fluminense win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mamelodi Sundowns advance to the round of 16 with:
- A win against Fluminense, provided Borussia Dortmund lose to Ulsan HD.
Ulsan HD is eliminated from the competition.
Predicted Lineups
Mamelodi Sundowns: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Keanu Cupido, Divine Lunga, Teboho Mokoena, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Themba Zwane, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Iqraam Rayners
Fluminense: Fabio, Guga, Thiago Silva, Juan Pablo Freytes, Gabriel Fuentes, Matheus Martinelli, Hércules, Jhon Arias, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Kevin Serna, German Cano
Key Player
Jhon Arias, Fluminense: Fluminense`s attack truly clicked in their 4-2 victory over Ulsan HD, largely thanks to Jhon Arias. The Colombia international scored and assisted in that game, helping his side reach the top of Group F. He`s arguably the most likely player to keep them there, even though Fluminense has multiple scoring threats. He could potentially earn his third player of the match award.
Match Storyline
Can Sundowns cause an upset? Fluminense are strong favorites not just for this match, but also to advance, and for good reason. However, there`s an argument that Sundowns shouldn`t be discounted. This Wednesday`s game will reveal if their attacking style, seen in the 4-3 match against Dortmund, was a one-off or something they can replicate under pressure. In the unlikely event results favor them, they could be the only African team in the last 16. Given their offensive capabilities and Fluminense`s defensive lapses in the win against Ulsan HD, the match could turn out to be unpredictable.
Our Prediction
While a game featuring two attack-minded teams promises entertainment, the odds heavily favor Fluminense. Expect the Brazilian side to qualify with relative comfort and continue their country`s strong run in the Club World Cup. Pick: Mamelodi Sundowns 1, Fluminense 3
