Mamelodi Sundowns bowed out of the FIFA Club World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.
Bafana Ba Style needed nothing less than a victory in order to secure a spot in the next stage.
Cardoso opted for the exact same starting XI that faced Borussia Dortmund, signalling his belief in the team’s established rhythm.
And Sundowns wasted no time asserting their game plan, immediately showing their desire to dominate possession in the opening five minutes, continuing where they left off against Dortmund.
This early control quickly translated into offensive chances, forcing Fluminense’s 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio into action.
FLUMINENSE GOALKEEPER’S THREE CRUCIAL SAVES
He was first tested by a curling shot from Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the fifth minute, and then made two more crucial saves to deny two attempts from Tashreeq Matthews and Devine Lunga.
As the match progressed, Fluminense began to find their footing, increasing their pressing against Sundowns. Despite this, the Brazilian side still struggled to consistently threaten, as the Betway Premiership champions continued to dominate proceedings, holding firm control over the game’s flow.
Jhon Arias had a clear sight of goal in the 35th minute, a big chance for Fluminense to get on the scoreboard. Despite the promising build-up for the Brazilian outfit, Arias’s attempt unfortunately went wide, squandering a vital opportunity.
Just five minutes later, Fluminense had another significant opportunity to seize the lead. Nonato unleashed an attempt from outside the box, but it agonisingly went just a few inches wide of the goal, a second narrow miss for the South American side.
At the start of the second half, Cardoso made one change, bringing on Jayden Adams and taking off Teboho Mokoena, who had a yellow card.
SUNDOWNS’ CONTINUED DOMINANCE IN THE SECOND HALF
Sundowns then continued with their dominance, but with little goalmouth action, as Fluminense remained solid at the back.
Fluminense’s Ganso nearly broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. After receiving a cross in the box, his shot struck the woodwork.
Miguel made another attack-minded change with Peter Shalulile coming on for Lucas Ribeiro.
Cardoso’s troops kept on knocking, looking for a winning goal, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough until the final whistle.
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