While you would expect Mamelodi Sundowns to be disappointed after being knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup, the players have a different view.
The Tshwane side failed to make it past the group stage after being held to a goalless draw by Brazilian side Fluminense at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday evening.
Sundowns had the lion’s share of ball possession. When they had their chances, especially in the first half, they fluffed those opportunities, allowing Fluminense to hold on.
The reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions enjoyed ball possession of 72% at some stage of the match. However, their dominance didn’t produce any goals, leading to their elimination as they needed a win to progress to the knockout stage.
Forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who was up against his countrymen, insists Sundowns gave their all.
“It is very difficult to play against Fluminense; they are a great team. (But) I am very happy for my team for the experience they had in this competition. We played free, and we played in the same way here as we do in South Africa,” says Ribeiro.
Fellow striker Iqraam Rayners shares Ribeiro’s sentiments.
“I think we played well in those three games, but we are obviously a bit disappointed also because we did not get the result. But I am proud of the boys. We fought until the end,” adds Rayners.
In Group F, Sundowns managed a 1-0 win against Ulsan from Korea before going down 4-3 to German outfit Borussia Dortmund, and the goalless draw against Fluminense saw them finish third.
Sundowns will receive just over R220 million from world football governing body FIFA: R170 million participation fee, R36 million for their one win, and R18 million for the one draw.
FIFA will deduct about R1 million as they are sanctioned for receiving five yellow cards during the tournament.
