The 'Brazilian Guardiola' and former Real Madrid star - meet Man City’s Club World Cup final opponents Fluminense
20.12.2023 - 13:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester City will face Fluminense at King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah in the final of the 2023 Club World Cup on Friday.
City booked their place in the final after dispatching Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 on Tuesday, with second half goals from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva adding to a Marius Høibråten own goal.
The Brazilian outfit booked their place in Friday's showpiece with a 2-0 win over CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly on Monday, with goals from Jhon Arias and John Kennedy.
While their opponents represent a stern test for Guardiola's side, victory on Friday will make the Cityzens World Champions and will “close the circle”, meaning they have now won every single trophy possible under their Treble-winning coach.
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Founded in 1902 by the English Brazilian Oscar Cox, Fluminense are the oldest club in Rio de Janeiro and one of the biggest in Brazil.
They play in a distinctive green, white, and grenadine kit at the famous Maracana Stadium which they share with rivals Flamengo, and often the Brazilian national team.
Fluminense have won the Brazilian Serie A four times, most recently in 2012. They finished in seventh place in the league this year, with Serie A running from April to December each year.
Former players include Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, and Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto.
Like Manchester City, it is their first appearance at a Club World Cup. They were guided to their premier Copa Libertadores title by Fernando Diniz, sometimes nicknamed the ‘Brazilian Guardiola’. He is also the interim Brazilian national manager until July 2024.