CHARLOTTE — The nightmare start for FC Internazionale Milano has gone from bad to worse in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener, as a reckless challenge from their goalkeeper has resulted in a penalty for a rampant Fluminense FC.
Just under 14 minutes into the match and already trailing 1-0, Inter’s hopes of a quick comeback were dashed. A swift Fluminense attack forced the Inter goalkeeper into a desperate lunge, bringing down an opposing player inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and issued a yellow card for the foul, compounding the Italian side’s misery.
The image captures the dramatic aftermath: the Inter goalkeeper lies on the ground in disbelief, the referee holds the yellow card aloft, and Fluminense players begin to celebrate the massive opportunity.
Already leading through an early Germán Cano strike, the Brazilian champions now have a golden chance to double their advantage from the penalty spot and take a commanding 2-0 lead. For Inter, a difficult situation has quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis.
