ORLANDO, Florida -- There were points during Renato Portaluppi's pre-match news conference on Thursday when it seemed like the Fluminense coach was trying to justify the need to play the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal against Al-Hilal at all. Question after question in the cramped media room at Camping World Stadium in Orlando was about the financial gulf between the two clubs. Fluminense are dealing with money issues.
Al-Hilal are backed by Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund. At one stage, Portaluppi admitted his team were the "ugly ducking" when compared to others in the last eight. He said Fluminense have "difficulties" with their budget and accepted Al-Hilal are working under "different conditions.
" But time and time again, the 62-year-old Brazilian qualified his comments with the same phrase: "Football is decided on the pitch." He's right, and whatever gap may exist in terms of bank balance wasn't on show in Florida. Editor's Picks The Club World Cup means little for teams' 2025-26 prospects 3d Mark Ogden Mbappe's Club World Cup debut was badly needed for Real Madrid, FIFA and the player himself 3d Mark Ogden Early Club World Cup exit gives Man City time to plan return to Premier League summit 3d Rob Dawson Fluminense again showed the determination and resilience that's served them so well during their time in the U.
S. and booked their place in the semifinals with a 2-1 win over their wealthy Saudi opponents. After the final whistle, players and staff linked arms a.
