Hulk Debuts as Fluminense Run Up 6–1 Friendly Win

Overview

• Fluminense beat Nova Iguaçu 6–1 at the Maracanã on Wednesday, July 8, with goals by Hércules, Savarino (2), Martinelli, John Kennedy and Germán Cano.
• Hulk made his first appearance for the club after not playing since April 23 and was warmly received by fans but missed two clear chances and did not score.
• Coach Luís Zubeldía used the match as a trial, making seven lineup changes, substituting all starters and giving second-half minutes to several academy players.
• Veteran defender Thiago Silva watched from the stands and remains eligible to debut once fitness and registration details are resolved; Fluminense play another friendly versus Bahia on Sunday at 16:00 before the league returns.
• Supporter reactions mixed praise for new signings with criticism for defensive errors, highlighting what to watch next: Hulk's match sharpness, defensive aerial limits and Zubeldía's choice of attacking combinations for the July 17 restart.