Inter Milan, the Champions League finalists, have been stunned in their Club World Cup debut, crashing out after a 2-0 defeat to Brazil's Fluminense. The match, played in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw Fluminense advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Fluminense started strong, with Germán Cano scoring a header in the 3rd minute after a deflection. Inter Milan struggled to find their rhythm, facing a well-organized Fluminense defense. Despite controlling possession for 68% of the match and outshooting Fluminense 16-11, Inter couldn't convert their chances. Lautaro Martinez came close to equalizing, but was denied by the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

Fluminense sealed the victory in stoppage time with a goal from Hércules. The final score was Inter Milan 0, Fluminense 2. The loss marked a disappointing exit for Inter Milan, who were considered favorites.

The match was played in scorching heat, with temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluminense's captain, Thiago Silva, acknowledged the difficult conditions and expressed pride in his team's performance. Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan's coach, praised his team's effort to come back after conceding an early goal.

Fluminense's victory was a significant upset, eliminating the Champions League runners-up from the Club World Cup. The Brazilian side will now face the winner of Manchester City vs. Al Hilal in the quarter-finals. If Manchester City advances, it will be a rematch of the 2023 Club World Cup final.

Inter Milan, founded in 1908, has a rich history, including 20 league titles, 9 Coppa Italia titles, and 8 Italian Super Cups. They have won the Champions League three times, with their most recent victory in 2010. Inter Milan also won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2010. Despite their history, Inter Milan has fallen short this year.

Fluminense's victory adds to the strong performance of South American teams in the Club World Cup. Palmeiras, another Brazilian team, has also reached the quarter-finals.