Mamelodi Sundowns take on Fluminense in their final group stage match at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday evening and they must win to advance to the Round of 16.
Sundowns have so far put in gallant performances, winning the opening match 1-0 against Ulsan HD, before running Borussia Dortmund close only to lose 3-2.
That leaves them in a must-win situation against the Brazilian side, who need just a draw to make it to the knockout round, owing to the fact that they have four points, the same as Dortmund.
Following the first two rounds of matches, who makes the Sundowns vs Fluminense combined XI?
Goalkeeper: Fabio
The Fluminense goalkeeper has been in good form so far although he did not have too many saves to make as his defence has largely protected him.
He has let in two goals, both against Ulsan in their 4-2 win, while keeping a clean sheet in the goalless draw with Dortmund when he also made a number of key saves to keep the German giants at bay.
Right-Back: Samuel Xavier
The 35-year-old has been solid for Fluminense at right-back so far at the tournament with his ability to keep wingers away while he is also good going forward.
It is from his forward runs that he managed an assist against Ulsan and has been a constant threat throughout while making sure that wingers have little opportunities.
Left-Back: Divine Lunga
Although his influence was reduced against Dortmund, the Zimbabwean has had a great tournament, putting in a good shift in defence while not afraid to go forward every time there is an opportunity.
Central Defence: Thiago Silva
Even at 40, the former AC Milan, PSG and Chelsea defender is still rock solid and has rarely put a foot wrong at the Club World Cup.
He put in a man of the match display against Dortmund and impressed again as Fluminense beat Ulsan with his reading of the game allowing him to know when to make a tackle while he remains solid in the air.
Central Defence: Juan Freytes
Thiago Silva’s lack of pace is complemented by the more athletic 25-year-old Argentine Juan Freytes, who has ensured that Fluminense are not easily breached.
Freytes is the bravest of the two, not afraid to put his body on the line, and continues to earn high marks by every performance.
Central Midfield: Teboho Mokoena
Teboho Mokoena’s outstanding performances in central midfield underline why he has been termed UEFA Champions League material.
Mokoena has yet again blossomed at the Club World Cup by protecting the back four while his freekicks have remained threatening every time he stands behind the ball.
Central Midfield: Martinelli
The 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been a revelation at the Club World Cup with his late runs in the box causing havoc.
He should have scored against Dortmund but played his part in the victory over Ulsan. Martinelli shields the defence but is the one with a free role to make the box-to-box runs which he has done brilliantly.
Attacking Midfield: Themba Zwane
Coming into the tournament, the question was whether Themba Zwane would even feature, having been snubbed in the CAF Champions League final, but the veteran midfielder has started both matches.
Zwane has tended to play deeper to help out with defensive duties, limiting his attacking qualities, but he has still impressed, helping set the tempo of the game and being crucial to Sundowns dominating possession in both matches.
Right Wing: Jhon Arias
Colombian winger Jhon Arias continues to impress at the Club World Cup and has a goal and assist, both against Ulsan, when he was afforded time and space.
The diminutive forward is blessed with pace and strength which makes him hard to stop and is also good in one-on-one situations.
Left Wing: Lucas Ribeiro
Sundowns’ best player so far at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian playmaker continues to show why he is so highly-rated.
His defence-splitting pass to set up Rayners for the winner against Ulsan was something of beauty while his goal against Dortmund was another reminder of his qualities. An intelligent player with an eye for goal and ability to operate in tight spaces.
Centre-forward: Iqraam Rayners
One of the players with multiple goals so far, Rayners has continued to display his talents with his qualities in the box second to none.
He had three goals in the net against Ulsan although two were ruled out and also scored against Dortmund, showing a poacher’s instinct to profit from a freekick and has been a problem for defenders throughout.
