The action in Group F of the Club World Cup concludes on Wednesday, with three teams vying for two spots in the round of 16. This includes South Africa`s Mamelodi Sundowns and Brazil`s Fluminense, who will face each other at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Fluminense currently leads the group and can secure advancement to the round of 16 with just a draw on Wednesday. They are considered strong contenders, alongside Borussia Dortmund, to progress. Mamelodi Sundowns, however, face a tougher challenge. They require a win against Fluminense on Wednesday and also need Dortmund to lose to Ulsan HD, an unlikely outcome given the South Korean side is already eliminated.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Sundowns should not be underestimated. While they lost 4-3 to Dortmund in their second group stage match, they provided strong competition to the German team. With a spot in the next round and an additional $7.5 million in prize money at stake, they have the motivation to make this another competitive 90 minutes.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 25
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN (for free)
- Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns +310; Draw +260; Fluminense 125
Group F Qualification Scenarios
Here is how teams can advance to the Round of 16:
- Fluminense advances with:
- A win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
- A loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, provided Borussia Dortmund loses to Ulsan HD by the same or a larger goal margin than Fluminense`s loss.
- Borussia Dortmund advances with:
- A win or draw against Ulsan HD.
- A loss to Ulsan HD, provided Fluminense wins or draws against Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Mamelodi Sundowns advances with:
- A win against Fluminense AND a Borussia Dortmund loss to Ulsan HD.
- Ulsan HD: Eliminated from the competition.
Predicted Starting 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
Player to Watch
Jhon Arias, Fluminense: Fluminense`s goals started flowing in their 4-2 win over Ulsan HD, thanks in large part to Jhon Arias. The Colombia international contributed a goal and an assist in that match, propelling his team to the top of Group F. He is arguably their most likely player to maintain their position, and despite Fluminense having several attacking threats, Arias could potentially earn his third player of the match award.
Storyline to Watch
Can Sundowns Pull Off the Upset? Fluminense are strong favorites both for this match and to advance, for good reason. However, there`s an argument that Sundowns cannot be entirely dismissed. Wednesday`s game will show whether their attacking approach, seen in the 4-3 match against Dortmund, was a one-off or something they can replicate under pressure. If results fall their way, an unlikely scenario, they could be the only African team in the last 16. Given their offensive capability and Fluminense`s defensive vulnerabilities highlighted in the Ulsan HD game, there`s potential for some unexpected twists on Wednesday.
Prediction
While a game between two attacking teams promises entertainment, the factors heavily favor Fluminense. Expect the Brazilian side to advance with relative ease and continue their country`s impressive run at the Club World Cup. Pick: Mamelodi Sundowns 1, Fluminense 3
