Mamelodi Sundowns carry the hopes of an entire continent as they head into their crucial final FIFA Club World Cup group stage match against Brazilian heavyweights Fluminense.
Following Esperance Sportive de Tunis’s elimination, Sundowns are now the sole African representative with a chance to reach the knockout stages.
Read: Fluminense Tops Group F Ahead of Showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns
The Path to Progression: Win or Go Home
Currently sitting third in Group F with three points from two matches, The Brazilians face a straightforward challenge: defeat Fluminense to advance. Their journey so far includes a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai and a narrow 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Here’s how the qualification permutations break down for Miguel Cardoso’s side:
Group Winners Scenario: If Sundowns secure a win against Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund fail to beat Ulsan, Sundowns will top Group F. This would set up a Round of 16 clash against the Group E runners-up in Atlanta on July 1.
Group Runners-up Scenario: Should Sundowns defeat Fluminense, but Borussia Dortmund also beat Ulsan, Sundowns would finish as Group F runners-up. In this case, they would face the Group E winners in Charlotte on June 30. Dortmund would advance as group winners, with both teams progressing to the knockout rounds.
Simply put, a win is the only way for Sundowns to keep their African dream alive. A draw or a loss against Fluminense would see the 2016 CAF Champions League winners eliminated from the tournament, regardless of the outcome of the Dortmund vs. Ulsan match.
The Opponents’ Perspectives
Fluminense enters this match with more flexibility in their qualification paths. The reigning South American champions can qualify as either group winners or runners-up, with various scenarios involving goal difference, goals scored, and even fair play points determining their final position.
Borussia Dortmund also remains firmly in contention, but they too must secure a victory against Ulsan to guarantee their place in the next round. Meanwhile, Ulsan HD, with just one point from two matches, has already been eliminated from the competition.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, this match demands their absolute best performance on the global stage. With the stakes incredibly high and the odds stacked, only three points will ensure their continued participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Kick off against Fluminense is set for 21:00 SAST later today at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.