Cardoso proud of Sundowns despite FIFA Club World Cup exit
- Dennis Kegengo
- Jun 25
- 1 min read
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has sung the praises of his players despite the South African side failing to qualify for the knockout stage of FIFA Club World Cup following a 0-0 draw against Fluminense in their final group fixture at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Both teams entered the final Group F encounter with the possibility of progressing, but still found themselves in differing situations; while only a win would do for Sundowns, Fluminense knew a draw would be enough to keep them in the group's top two.
Despite the exit, Cardoso admits the Betway Premiership champions will leave the global showpiece with their heads held high following their impressive displays.
"We have played some of the most beautiful football in this tournament. The story of this game is the goal we didn’t score in the first 20 or 25 minutes. But we kept the intensity and the quality. I’m so proud of my boys. I’m so proud of the club,” Cardoso told FIFA.com.
The draw saw Sundowns finish third in their Group F with four points, while Borussia Dortmund topped the pile after amassing seven points. Fluminense came second with five while Ulsan HD finished last without a point.
Sundowns had kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win against Ulsan before going down 4-3 against the Bundesliga giants in their second fixture.
While Sundowns will now return to South Africa with their heads held high, having acquitted themselves well across the tournament with their exciting, frantic approach, Fluminense will face the winners of Group E in Charlotte on Monday.
