Cardoso: Sundowns played beautifully

DESPITE their early exit from the Fifa Club World Cup, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said it was "absolutely marvellous" to witness his players perform at the highest level against Brazilian giants Fluminense.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Sundowns shocked everyone by holding the highly fancied Fluminense to a goalless draw in Wednesday's Club World Cup Group F clash at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

This outcome meant that Sundowns' ambitious stint at the Club World Cup came to an end, as the South African champions needed a victory to advance past the group stage.

After the match, Cardoso reflected on the experience of his players competing against such esteemed opposition.

He expressed pride in his team's performance in challenging match conditions.

"Everybody had the chance to watch 22 players playing at the highest level. It was easy to understand the level at which my players played. That was something absolutely marvellous to see," said Cardoso.

"Some teams came here and took nothing, but Mamelodi Sundowns leave with a lot — we took four points, we lost just one game and we drew one game in which it was clear we had the best chances.