Allende backing belief as Sundowns face Fluminense in Club World Cup decider

IOL News

23-06-2025

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has exuded optimism ahead of their crucial match against Fluminense at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
In their upcoming 2025 Fifa Club World Cup clash against Brazilian Série A side Fluminense, the equation is brutally simple for Mamelodi Sundowns: win or go home.
But Sundowns' Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende remains unfazed by the do-or-die situation, confident that the South Africans will secure victory, advance from Group F, and book their place in the Round of 16. The match takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, US, at 9pm.
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After a promising start to the tournament with a win against South Korea's Ulsan HD, Sundowns suffered a setback when they were defeated by Borussia Dortmund in their second game on Saturday. The results mean that only a win against Fluminense will suffice; a draw will not be enough due to Dortmund's superior head-to-head record.
'I think we fought well against Dortmund. We know the level of this tournament and we understand how big the team we played against is,' said Allende, reflecting on Saturday's performance.
'We fought until the final whistle; we made mistakes, but it's our play, our style. We played until the end – that's the way we know.'
While disappointed by missed opportunities, Allende praised his team's spirit throughout the tournament.
'Of course, there's always that feeling we could have achieved more, but I am very proud of my team,' he said.
'Even after the mistakes, we kept playing. We kept fighting, and we scored two more goals after we were 4-1 down. That's a positive takeaway. Now it's about recovery and getting ready to fight again – this time against Fluminense.'
All to play for as we head into our final Group F encounter! 🔜
Let's do this Masandawana! 💪#Sundowns #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #AfricaToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/Z4rsdJR11G — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 23, 2025
Allende anticipates a tough match against the Brazilian side, also known as the Big Flu, acknowledging their strong reputation and technical quality. However, his belief in Sundowns' capabilities remains steadfast.
'It's going to be an exciting game against a good opponent who likes to play. So it will be a lovely game,' he said.
He stressed the importance of capitalising on every opportunity and limiting mistakes: 'The mistakes we made against Dortmund – the level they play at – they give you nothing. If you give them one chance, they score, and that's what happened.'
As the team regroups for the decisive fixture, Allende called for unity and focus.
'We learn. We need to keep together in the next few days, recover, and prepare for the next game. We will fight, yes. Big yes, we can do it,' he declared, exuding the determination required at this level.
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP