Fluminense advanced to the Club World Cup quarterfinals with an impressive 2-0 victory over Inter Milan, highlighted by Germán Cano's early goal and Hercules' decisive strike in stoppage time, defeating the Champions League runners-up on Monday.

Coach Renato's strategic choice of a three-man defense proved effective, surprising Inter and allowing the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions to remain largely untroubled during the match.

"I instilled confidence in the team that this approach would succeed. Inter is a formidable side with greater resources, but on the pitch, it's 11 versus 11," Renato told DAZN.

"The players believed, battled hard, and maintained focus throughout the full 90 minutes."

The Brazilians took the lead just three minutes in when Cano capitalized on a deflected cross, heading the ball past goalkeeper Yann Sommer from close range for a perfect start.

Although Inter controlled possession, Fluminense generated more dangerous opportunities, with Colombian forward Jhon Arias consistently challenging the Italian defense and Sommer.

Ignacio appeared to double the lead in the 39th minute by heading in from close range after a sequence of headers, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Inter pressed for an equalizer in the second half, yet Fluminense's solid defense held firm. Stefan de Vrij missed a near opportunity, goalkeeper Fábio blocked Sebastiano Esposito with his feet, and Lautaro Martínez hit the post.

Substitute Hercules secured the win for Fluminense in the third minute of added time, calmly finishing from the edge of the box to set up a last-eight matchup against either Manchester City or Al Hilal on Friday in Orlando, Florida.

"The coach warned us it would be a tough match, and we knew it," midfielder Hercules said. "But we stayed fully focused and worked for this result. And now, it's done."

The 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio delivered an outstanding performance, making crucial saves, including stopping substitute Sebastiano Esposito with his feet before Martínez struck the post late in the game.

As the match concluded, Fluminense players celebrated on the sideline, jumping up and down, and continued the jubilation on the field by huddling together in unison with arms linked.

Fluminense became the second Brazilian club to reach the quarterfinals, following Palmeiras, who progressed after defeating another Brazilian Serie A team, Botafogo.