The Fluminense boss insists they have no issue playing for a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night.
Fluminense and Sundowns are set to face off in a decisive final group-stage match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday at 21:00 (South African time).
A win for the South African side will guarantee them a place in the round of 16, while a draw might not be enough if Borussia Dortmund win their match against Ulsan HD in the other Group F fixture.
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Meanwhile, a stalemate against Downs would be sufficient for Fluminense to progress to the knockout stages.
Their manager, Renato Gaucho, has admitted he has no issue playing for a point against Masandawana.
"We have the right to play for a draw in order to secure qualification. Any advantage you take into a 'final' is very welcome, but we know we’ll face a tough match," said Gaucho, according to BolaVIP.
"Mamelodi have a great chance of qualifying, it’s entirely in their own hands.
"We have to stay focused, especially considering what happened against Ulsan at the end of the first half. Those are things that cannot happen, because soon we might find ourselves unable to come back in the game.
"The goal is to get the result, to go for a win in order to try and finish first, or at least a draw to secure qualification.
"The objective is to reach the next phase. Regardless of who we face next, the most important thing is that we are ready for it."
Read: REPORT: Esperance 'in talks' with Downs star
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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