Mamelodi Sundowns bowed out of the FIFA Club World Cup following a barren draw against Brazilian outfit Fluminense in their final group stage match on Wednesday.The result saw them finish their campaign with a win, a draw, and a loss, scoring and conceding four goals in total.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsDespite dominating possession throughout the match, registering an impressive 68%, Sundowns could not break down a tactically disciplined Fluminense side, who executed a resolute out-of-possession strategy.In this piece, we seek to point out to the tactical formations and movements that denied Sundowns the much-needed win. Base structure and in-game adjustmentsMiguel Cardoso stayed true to Sundowns’ possession-oriented philosophy, deploying a base 4-2-3-1 formation. However, as it has become typical with elite possession systems, the structure was fluid and adjusted dynamically across various phases of play.##NAJAVA_MECA_8996634##In possession, Sundowns morphed into a 3-5-2 attacking shape. Both fullbacks pushed high and wide to provide width and pin back Fluminense’s wide midfielders and fullbacks. This created interior channels for the attacking midfielders, Themba Zwane and Costa Ribeiro, who operated as dual No.10s behind the forward line. Tashreeq Matthews and Iqraam Rayners functioned as the advanced pair of strikers, providing vertical presence and pressing depth.Mokoena’s tactical importance and role in build-upTeboho Mokoena was pivotal in Sundowns’ structural balance and ball progression during the first half. His technical security under pressure and range of passing allowed Sundowns to build with control and precision. Harambee Starlets striker eyes UEFA Champions League dream after stellar season in MoroccoAs the fullbacks advanced high, Mokoena intelligently dropped into the right side of defence to form a back three with the two central defenders, facilitating safe circulation and offering numerical superiority during early build-up phases.His positioning was not merely functional but also strategic; by forming a triangle with the centre-backs, Sundowns created deeper passing lanes that enabled vertical progression past Fluminense’s first pressing line. Mokoena’s performance in the first half underlined his value, registering 61 touches and 57 completed passes, more than any other player on the pitch at that stage.However, his role required high engagement in duels, and after receiving a yellow card for a combative challenge, Cardoso opted to substitute him at halftime as a precaution.Shabana top scorer hints at exit amid interest from three Tanzanian clubsJayden Adams was introduced in his place, tasked with maintaining the rhythm in build-up while offering more defensive discipline under the threat of a red card.Zwane and Ribeiro: Creative outlets stifledSundowns’ attacking blueprint was centred on channelling possession through their most creative minds, Zwane and Ribeiro. Zwane, known for his spatial intelligence and ability to receive between the lines, was integral to Sundowns’ chance creation. Ribeiro, with his flair and tight control, offered a dynamic threat in pockets of space just outside the final third.However, Fluminense were well-prepared for this. They shut off central passing lanes and applied aggressive pressure to deny time and space in these zones. CWC: Relentless barrage from the Blues against Juve for the top spot in the groupThe Brazilian side’s structured mid-block and numerical compaction around zone 14 made it difficult for Zwane and Ribeiro to influence play consistently. As a result, Sundowns were often forced to circulate the ball around the block or attempt vertical passes under pressure, many of which were intercepted or deflected.Defensive structure and transitionsOut of possession, Sundowns defended in a disciplined 4-1-4-1 shape. The single pivot shielded the backline, while the two interior midfielders in the second line applied lateral pressure. This allowed them to maintain central compactness while forcing Fluminense to progress down the flanks, where recovery runs and dual coverage were easier to execute.One of Sundowns’ more notable defensive features was their use of zonal marking during set pieces. Zonal marking allows defenders to guard predefined zones rather than mark specific opponents, which can be more effective against teams that overload the six-yard box or use decoy runs.Alpha Onyango lifts the lid on captaining Harambee Stars under McCarthySundowns combined this with a proactive second-phase strategy; once the first ball was contested or cleared, the defensive line would immediately push out to trigger an offside trap. This method was executed effectively and helped mitigate second-ball threats during dead-ball scenarios.Second-Half tactical tweaksWith the match still in a stalemate, Cardoso made progressive tactical changes. The first major shift saw Matthews withdrawn for Arthur Sales, a move aimed at increasing finishing presence. KCB FC pick Matano as head coach, reinforces benchSales, a natural forward, brought more of a striker’s instinct into the box compared to Matthews, who plays deeper and operates more as a transitional midfielder.Later, Cardoso added more firepower by introducing Peter Shalulile in place of Ribeiro. While this meant removing one of the creative hubs, it signalled a clear intent to add a penalty-box threat and increase the chance of capitalising on any loose balls or half chances in the final third.Despite these offensive reinforcements, Fluminense’s compactness and tactical discipline held firm. CWC: Vinicius pulled out his magic wand and set up a derby clashSundowns lacked the vertical incision and final pass accuracy needed to break the deadlock. Possession remained in their favour, but penetration proved elusive.Final ThoughtsMamelodi Sundowns exited the FIFA Club World Cup having showcased a mature, methodical style of play rooted in control and technical precision. However, the tournament also exposed the limitations of possession-based systems when met with resolute defensive setups and when creative fulcrums like Zwane and Ribeiro are nullified.Teboho Mokoena’s first-half display reaffirmed his importance to Sundowns’ tactical setup, especially in orchestrating the early build-up and maintaining structural balance. But the inability to convert dominance into tangible goal-scoring opportunities, even after positive substitutions, underlined the fine margins at this level of competition.Why this year’s Mozzart Bet Cup final will be remembered as greatest everFor Cardoso’s side, the focus now shifts to refining their cutting edge in the final third, particularly in games where opponents are compact and reactive. The foundation is solid, but Sundowns’ next evolution will depend on unlocking low blocks and executing more incisively in front of goal.
