Hercules sends Fluminense into Club World Cup semis

Hercules
Fluminense's Hercules scores his side's winning goal in the quarter-final against Al Hilal. -AP

Brazil's Fluminense have continued their fairy-tale run at the Club World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in Orlando to book their place in the semi-finals.

The tournament underdogs struck first through Matheus Martinelli in the opening half before Al-Hilal hit back after the break when Marcus Leonardo found the net.

But Fluminense refused to be denied and regained their lead in the 70th minute through Hercules to secure a memorable win over Al-Hilal in the first meeting between the clubs.

The Brazilian side, who entered the tournament as one of the biggest long shots, will now face the winners of Friday's other quarter-final clash between Palmeiras and Chelsea.

Al-Hilal announced themselves in the footballing world when they beat Manchester City 4-3.

Liverpool FC and Portugal national team star Diogo Joto and his brother Andre Silva, who died Thursday in Spain in a car accident, were honoured with a pre-game moment of silence.

Cameras showed Al Hilal starters and Portuguese compatriots Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo fighting off tears during the observance.