The Brazilian captain produced one of his finest performances to lead Fluminense past Inter Milan 2-0 in the Club World Cup. It wasn’t just any victory – it was revenge served cold against his former club’s biggest rivals.
At 40 years old, most soccer players are long retired. But Thiago Silva isn’t like most soccer players. Silva’s AC Milan connections made this win extra sweet, while Fluminense’s defensive masterclass showed why experience still matters at the highest level.
Former Milan Star Gets His Revenge
Silva had two reasons to smile after the brilliant win of Fluminense (2.80). The 40-year-old captain led his side into the Club World Cup quarter-finals. But he also got one over on his former club’s biggest rivals.
Silva spent three seasons at AC Milan (6.00) between 2009 and 2012. He won Serie A and the Italian Super Cup during his time there. So beating Inter felt extra special.
“I was thinking about Milan,” Silva told DAZN after the match in Charlotte. “I’m sure the Milan fans will be happy about Inter’s defeat and our victory.”
Early Strike Sets the Tone
The Brazilian centre-back had every right to celebrate. His team produced a stunning performance to knock out the Champions League runners-up. German Cano struck after just three minutes. Hercules sealed the win in stoppage time.
Cano’s opener came from a deflected cross. The striker headed home from close range. The ball went through goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s legs. It was the perfect start in the sweltering North Carolina heat.
Fluminense could have doubled their lead before half-time. Sommer spilt John Arias’s shot on 30 minute. Samuel Xavier fired the rebound just wide of the far post.
Five minutes later, Ignacio thought he had scored. But the automated offside system ruled him out by inches.
Defensive Masterclass Frustrates Inter
The pattern continued after the break. Inter had more of the ball. But Fluminense created the better chances. Sommer made a superb save on 62 minutes. He dived to push Arias’s long-range effort around the post.
Inter’s best chance fell to Lautaro Martinez. The striker forced two saves from 44-year-old Fabio in the 80th and 82nd minutes. Then he hit the post seconds later. But Hercules had the final word. The midfielder found space at the edge of the box from a throw-in. His low finish into the bottom corner sent the Fluminense fans wild.
Silva praised his team’s defensive display. “We were always together,” he said. “Defensively, we played an excellent match.”
Captain Courage Despite Injury Scare
The captain had overcome injury doubts to play. He hurt himself 10 days before the match. But the medical team got him fit.
“It was very important for me to play today,” Silva explained. “I’m very proud of my team and teammates for beating such a top side.”
Inter coach Cristian Chivu admitted it wasn’t his team’s day. They finished second in Serie A last season. They also lost 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain (2.21) in the Champions League final just 30 days ago.
“We didn’t give up,” Chivu said. “We tried until the end. But it wasn’t our day.”
The Italians struggled with Fluminense’s defensive setup. They played five at the back with a low block. Inter couldn’t find a way through.
Quarter-Final Showdown Awaits
The result means that two Brazilian sides reached the quarter-finals. Palmeiras (3.85) also made it through in the expanded tournament format.
Fluminense will now face Al Hilal (2,55) on Friday. The Saudi Arabian side shocked Manchester City 4-3 in their round of 16 tie.
For Silva, though, this was a night to remember. At 40, he’s still performing at the highest level. He returned to his hometown club Fluminense last year after spells at PSG and Chelsea.
Now he’s 90 minutes away from a Club World Cup semi-final. And he’s done it by beating the team his beloved Milan fans love to hate.
That’s what you call a perfect evening’s work.
