Cristian Chivu was thrilled with Inter's mindset after the Serie A giants progressed to the last 16 of the Club World Cup.

Inter beat River Plate 2-0 in an ill-tempered encounter in Seattle on Wednesday to book their place in the knockouts.

The match ended in chaos, with River's Marcos Acuna having to be restrained as he tussled with Inter defender Denzel Dumfries.

Players were also targeted by objects from fans as they left the pitch.

River ended the match with nine men, with Gonzalo Montiel dismissed after the whistle, while Lucas Martinez Quarta had been sent off in the second half.

Inter were worthy winners at Lumen Field, registering 2.22 expected goals to River's 0.6, and Chivu – who replaced Simone Inzaghi prior to the Club World Cup – is delighted with what he has seen from his team so far in the United States.

"We have the job done," he said. "We qualify for the further stage of this competition. We are pleased with that.

"They give their utmost, and even those five or six players who have injuries, they're working hard to support the team. I'm happy about that, because I see a great mindset. I see so much desire to play well."

Reflecting on the game, Chivu said: "The game was very tough for us in the first half, River had a lot of aggression, a lot of intensity. In the second half, we controlled the game a little bit better and after the red card it was much easier for us.

"Maybe the players were not so prepared at first, but then in the second half, we raised the level of intensity, because we are strong, we're competent, we have players that can play such a game.

"I can say that the game was great from every point of view, because we understood the moment that we understood the game."

Next up for Inter are Fluminense, with that clash taking place in Charlotte on Monday.