FIFA CWC: Fluminense know Sundowns’ quality – Arthur Sales

Photo Credit – Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Arthur Sales believes they can win again when they take on Fluminense in a must-win 2025 FIFA World Club Cup clash at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday.

Masandawana have a realistic chance of progressing to the knockouts. The South African champions won their group opener 1-0 against Ulsan HD before losing 4-3 to the Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund in their second match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday.

The Pretoria-based side have won the hearts of the people following their outstanding performance against Dortmund despite the defeat. They will be aiming to conclude the group stage on a high note.

“I think everyone is very proud of the performance we gave. We took many lessons from that match. When you play such big teams, you get to learn a lot, and we did. We can apply these lessons in our next game when we face Fluminense,” said Sale.

“The competition in this tournament is of the highest level. Participating in this tournament and playing these games has proven that Mamelodi Sundowns can match the level of competition with the different teams.”

He added: “I think when Fluminense watched our game against Dortmund, they saw the quality we will bring to the pitch against them. It’s going to be a good game because both teams play the same kind of football.

“All their players are good players, and they are fit to play for a team as good as Fluminense. We know that the likes of John Arias, Thiago Silva, and Matheus Martinelli will give us a tough time, but we are ready and excited to take them on, hoping for a positive result.”

Ahead of the fixture, Fluminense and Sundowns are tied on four points. The Brazilians won their opener 4-2 against Ulsan HD after securing a 0-0 draw against Dortmund.