The Group F action at the Club World Cup concludes on Wednesday with three teams vying for two spots in the round of 16. Among them are South Africa`s Mamelodi Sundowns and Brazil`s Fluminense, who will face each other at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Fluminense currently sit atop the group and can secure their place in the round of 16 with just a draw in Wednesday`s match. They are considered strong contenders, alongside Borussia Dortmund, to advance.
Mamelodi Sundowns face a more challenging path. They need to win their match against Fluminense and hope that Borussia Dortmund lose their game against Ulsan HD – a result considered unlikely given Ulsan HD has already been eliminated from the competition.
Despite the difficult odds, Sundowns should not be underestimated. Although they lost 4-3 to Dortmund in their second group match, they demonstrated a competitive spirit and potent attack. With a spot in the next round and significant prize money at stake ($7.5 million), they have strong motivation to perform intensely for the full 90 minutes.
Match Details
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
- Odds: Mamelodi Sundowns +310; Draw +260; Fluminense 125
Group F Qualification Scenarios
Here`s how teams can advance to the round of 16:
- Fluminense advance with:
- A win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
- A loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, provided Borussia Dortmund lose to Ulsan HD by the same or a larger goal margin than Fluminense`s loss.
- Borussia Dortmund advance with:
- A win or draw against Ulsan HD.
- A loss to Ulsan HD, provided Fluminense win or draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Mamelodi Sundowns advance with:
- A win against Fluminense AND Borussia Dortmund lose to Ulsan HD.
- Ulsan HD: 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
Player to Watch
Jhon Arias, Fluminense: Jhon Arias was instrumental in Fluminense finding their scoring form in their 4-2 victory over Ulsan HD. The Colombia international contributed a goal and an assist in that match, helping his team reach the top of Group F. As a key attacking threat, he is likely to play a significant role in their efforts to maintain their position and could potentially earn his third player of the match award.
Storyline to Watch
Can Sundowns pull off the upset?: While Fluminense are strong favorites, the possibility of an upset by Sundowns remains a compelling storyline. Their high-scoring 4-3 match against Dortmund demonstrated their attacking potential. Wednesday`s game will reveal if they can replicate that offensive intensity with such high stakes. Despite the unlikelihood of the necessary results elsewhere, Sundowns could become the only African team in the last 16. Their own attacking prowess, combined with some defensive vulnerabilities shown by Fluminense in their win over Ulsan HD, suggests the potential for a dramatic match.
Prediction
Although both teams favor an attacking style which could lead to an entertaining match, Fluminense`s position and overall strength make them the clear favorites. Expect the Brazilian side to secure the result they need to advance, continuing their country`s impressive run in the Club World Cup.
Pick: Mamelodi Sundowns 1, Fluminense 3
