Fluminense of Brazil advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States after defeating Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal 2-1 on Friday in the tournament's first quarter-final match.

The match, held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, saw both teams start cautiously, with few clear chances in the early stages. Fluminense broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through Matheus Martinelli. Al-Hilal nearly equalized before halftime, but the Brazilian goalkeeper made a crucial save from a dangerous header.

Al-Hilal leveled the score early in the second half when Marcos Leonardo struck in the 50th minute. However, Fluminense regained the lead in the 70th minute with a goal from Pereira Hercules. Despite Al-Hilal's persistent attempts to equalize, they failed to find another breakthrough, sealing Fluminense's progression.

In the semi-finals, Fluminense will face the winner of the second quarter-final between Brazil's Palmeiras and England's Chelsea, who play early Saturday morning.