It was another title for all-conquering Manchester City as they built on their global brand before 52,000 fans in the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Unlike in the semi-final, City started quickly and went ahead inside one minute when Julian Alvarez was on hand to chest in the rebound from Nathan Ake’s driven shot.
That diminished any concerns about getting into a tight contest with the Brazilians.
Not that Fernando Diniz’ side lacked confidence judging by how they passed the ball out of defence.
At times it seemed both teams tried to outdo each other in how daring they became in this regard.
Indeed, Fluminense managed to have more possession for periods of the first half, something generally unheard of for most of City’s opponents.
Maybe they particularly wanted to endorse Guardiola’s pre-game praise of their playing style.
But it mostly came to nought and their job got harder on 27 minutes when Phil Foden broke into space and saw his left-foot strike deflected past Fabio by Nino for 2-0.
Perhaps not surprisingly in the stifling heat, there was a mid-half cooling break.
Despite playing in Manchester, not exactly the warmest or driest place in the world, City’s younger team probably had the edge in teams of stamina against an ageing Flu side (featuring a couple of forty-year-olds and a number over thirty)
Pep had tweaked his lineup a little with the talented Rico Lewis coming into midfield and crucially, Julian Alvarez up front.
Ultimately the Argentine World Cup winner would prove the difference as he delivered a left-sided cross for Foden to slide in number three.
He followed that by controlling, making space and neatly shooting in from 12 yards for the fourth.
For all their possession and confidence in playing out Fluminense produced limited chances and it was substitute John Kennedy who would produce the most threats, in the second period.
But his Brazilian compatriot Ederson was never really troubled in the City goal.
Flu have talent especially Jhon Arias (though he was more prominent in the semi), Andre, and Kennedy but legends such as Marcelo couldn’t make a difference.
While the forty-year-old Felipe Melo might be remembered more for his altercation with City captain Kyle Walker.
City were always overwhelming favourites and they lived up to that billing, playing often in a more animated style illustrated by the commanding presence of Rodri (later to be awarded the Golden Ball), the striking of Alvarez, and the improved aggression of Grealish.
Now they can call themselves the ‘best team in the world’.
Well, sort of.
This, unbalanced, format of the CWC now comes to an end around twenty years since it began and a new incarnation, comprising an expanded 32 qualifiers, will take place in the USA in 2025.
That will definitely have more of the appearance of a ‘World Cup' competition for clubs although, inevitably, it will draw criticism based on the rigours imposed on the participating clubs.
Perhaps some older fans might just hanker for another of those, albeit sometimes notorious, Intercontinental matches between the European Cup and Libertadores winners.
On a home-and-away basis - imagine an English club visiting Buenos Aires.
But that is a scenario that will not happen.
Analysis, from Jeddah - John Bethell
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