The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup provided some of the most memorable tactical battles in modern football history, but few matched the intensity and strategic drama seen at MetLife Stadium during the Group F encounter between Fluminense FC and Ulsan Hyundai. This fixture was a clash of two distinct footballing philosophies: the intricate, possession-heavy 'Diniz-ist' legacy of the Brazilians against the disciplined, rapid-transition model of the South Korean giants. Looking back at the lineups and the subsequent 4-2 result, we can see how the structural choices made by Renato Gaúcho and Kim Pan-gon defined one of the tournament's most explosive matches.

The Starting Elevens: A Contrast in Philosophy

When the team sheets were released an hour before kickoff in East Rutherford, it was clear that both managers had prepared specific traps for each other. Fluminense, staying true to their identity, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation that focused on ball retention and positional fluidity. Ulsan Hyundai, meanwhile, opted for a robust 5-3-2, a clear indication that they intended to absorb pressure and exploit the space left behind by the marauding Brazilian full-backs.

Fluminense FC Lineup Analysis (4-2-3-1)

Renato Gaúcho selected a side built on experience and technical brilliance. The defensive line was anchored by the legendary Thiago Silva, whose presence was vital for a team that played with such a high defensive line.

  • Goalkeeper: Fábio
  • Defenders: Guga (RB), Thiago Silva (CB), Juan Freytes (CB), Gabriel Fuentes (LB)
  • Defensive Midfielders: Martinelli, Hércules
  • Attacking Midfielders: Jhon Arias (RW), Ganso (AM), Kevin Serna (LW)
  • Forward: Germán Cano

In this setup, the double pivot of Martinelli and Hércules was designed to facilitate quick ball recovery and immediate distribution to Ganso. Ganso, acting as the 'brain' of the team, was given a free role to drop deep or push into the final third, creating overloads. The width provided by Jhon Arias and Kevin Serna was intended to stretch Ulsan’s five-man backline, creating channels for Germán Cano to exploit.

Ulsan Hyundai FC Lineup Analysis (5-3-2)

Kim Pan-gon’s tactical blueprint was centered on defensive density and vertical speed. By choosing a back five, Ulsan sought to negate Fluminense’s creative passing in central areas.

  • Goalkeeper: Jo Hyeon-woo
  • Defenders: Kang Sang-woo (RWB), Milosz Trojak (CB), Kim Young-gwon (CB), Lee Jae-ik (CB), Gustav Ludwigson (LWB)
  • Midfielders: Ko Seung-beom, Darijan Bojanic, Lee Jin-hyun
  • Forwards: Erick Farias, Um Won-sang

This 5-3-2 formation transformed into a 3-5-2 during rare offensive phases but primarily functioned as a low block. The inclusion of Um Won-sang was the masterstroke; his elite pace was the primary weapon designated to punish Fluminense’s aggressive positioning.

Tactical Battle: How the Lineups Interacted

The first half was a testament to Ulsan's defensive discipline. Despite Fluminense commanding nearly 70% of the possession, they found it incredibly difficult to penetrate the central block of Kim Young-gwon and Milosz Trojak. Fluminense’s lineup was designed to probe and circulate, but Ulsan’s five-man defense meant that even when Ganso found space, there was always a spare defender to cover the run of Germán Cano.

Jhon Arias broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, a goal that stemmed from individual brilliance rather than a breakdown in Ulsan's system. However, the true strength of Ulsan’s lineup was revealed in the ten minutes before halftime. Lee Jin-hyun and Um Won-sang orchestrated a stunning turnaround. Lee Jin-hyun’s goal in the 37th minute was a direct result of the 5-3-2’s ability to transition; a cleared corner fell to the midfield trio, who quickly bypassed Fluminense's high press to find Lee in a pocket of space.

When Um Won-sang headed home in the 45th minute to make it 2-1 for Ulsan, the tactical vulnerability of Fluminense’s 4-2-3-1 was exposed. Their full-backs, Guga and Fuentes, were caught too far advanced, leaving Thiago Silva and Juan Freytes isolated against the speed of Ulsan's front two.

The Substitution Masterclass

The second half of the Fluminense FC vs Ulsan Hyundai match is often cited by analysts as a case study in effective substitution management. Sensing that his starting lineup was struggling to break the deadlock despite the dominance in possession, Renato Gaúcho made decisive changes at the 46th and 59th minutes.

The Impact of the Bench

  1. Everaldo for Ganso (46'): While Ganso provided control, Everaldo offered more directness and physical presence, forcing Ulsan's center-backs to retreat further into their own box.
  2. Nonato for Martinelli (59'): Nonato brought fresh energy to the midfield, allowing Hércules to push higher and participate in the final third pressure.
  3. Keno for Kevin Serna (59'): This was the turning point. Keno’s 1v1 dribbling ability posed a different threat compared to Serna’s more positional play.

These changes altered the Fluminense lineup's dynamic from a patient possession side to a relentless attacking force. Nonato’s equalizer in the 66th minute was a direct consequence of this increased intensity. By then, the Ulsan lineup was starting to fray due to the sheer volume of defensive work they had endured. The fatigue was evident as Kim Pan-gon tried to respond with defensive reinforcements like Choi Seok-hyun, but the momentum had shifted irrevocably.

Statistical Breakdown and Performance Metrics

Analyzing the final statistics provides a clear picture of why the game ended 4-2. Fluminense’s lineup was built for volume, and the numbers reflect that:

  • Possession: Fluminense 70% - 30% Ulsan Hyundai
  • Total Shots: Fluminense 25 - 10 Ulsan Hyundai
  • Expected Goals (xG): Fluminense 2.06 - 0.79 Ulsan Hyundai
  • Accurate Passes: Fluminense 91% - 79% Ulsan Hyundai

The xG data suggests that while Ulsan was highly efficient in the first half, the sheer weight of Fluminense’s opportunities eventually broke the dam. Juan Freytes, the center-back, finishing the game with 90 total passes and a goal in the 83rd minute, highlights how much of the game was played in Ulsan's defensive third.

For Ulsan, Ko Seung-beom was the standout in the midfield lineup before his injury in the 85th minute. His work rate—tackles, interceptions, and fouls drawn—was the glue holding the 5-3-2 together. Once he was replaced by Heo Yool, Ulsan lost their defensive shield in the middle of the park, allowing Keno to find the space for the fourth and final goal in stoppage time.

Individual Roles in the Fluminense vs Ulsan Clash

The Anchor: Thiago Silva

At 40 years old, Thiago Silva’s role in the lineup was as much about organization as it was about defending. He recorded 9 successful recoveries, often acting as the last line of defense against Um Won-sang’s counter-attacks. His ability to read the game allowed Juan Freytes to venture forward, which ultimately led to the third goal.

The Creative Hub: Jhon Arias

Arias was the most dangerous player on the pitch. His heat map showed him operating across the entire width of the attacking third. With an assist for the final goal and the opening goal himself, he justified his rating as the match's top performer. His interaction with the substitute Keno in the final minutes showcased a telepathic understanding that Ulsan’s tired legs could not match.

The Speedster: Um Won-sang

For Ulsan, Um Won-sang was the focal point of the lineup's offensive strategy. His goal and assist in the first half nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament. He exploited the tactical gap between Fluminense's midfield and defense, showing that even against world-class opposition, pace remains the ultimate equalizer.

Implications for Group F

This 4-2 victory was pivotal for Fluminense's progression in the 2025 Club World Cup. Entering the match with pressure following a draw against Dortmund, the three points secured here allowed them to lead the group. Conversely, for Ulsan Hyundai, the result was a heartbreaking reminder of how thin the margins are at the elite level. Their lineup performed their tactical duties almost perfectly for 60 minutes, but the lack of depth compared to the Brazilian side eventually told.

The Venue and Atmosphere

MetLife Stadium provided a fitting backdrop for such a high-stakes encounter. With an attendance nearing 30,000, the atmosphere was a mix of passionate South American support and neutral fans eager to see the best of Asian and South American football. The grass surface allowed for the quick, zipping passes that Fluminense’s lineup thrives on, perhaps giving them a slight advantage over Ulsan, who are more accustomed to the variations of domestic Asian surfaces.

Final Tactical Reflections

When we analyze the Fluminense FC vs Ulsan Hyundai lineups, we see a match won in the dugout. Kim Pan-gon’s initial plan was superior, catching Renato Gaúcho off guard and leading at the break. However, the depth of the Fluminense squad and the flexibility of their 4-2-3-1 formation—which could effectively become a 2-3-5 when chasing a game—proved too much for Ulsan's 5-3-2 to contain over 90 minutes.

The match remains a highlight of the 2025 season, remembered not just for the six goals, but for the tactical chess match between two very different footballing cultures. For Fluminense, it was a victory for their philosophy of joy and possession. For Ulsan, it was a valiant effort that showed the rest of the world that South Korean club football is capable of competing with the very best, provided they have the tactical discipline to match their ambition.

As we look toward future iterations of the FIFA Club World Cup, the lessons from this encounter—the importance of bench depth, the risks of a high defensive line, and the effectiveness of a well-drilled low block—continue to resonate with coaches and analysts worldwide. The Fluminense vs Ulsan lineups from that day in June 2025 will be remembered as the blueprint for a modern classic.