Chelsea have successfully navigated their FIFA Club World Cup semifinal challenge, defeating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0 at MetLife Stadium to book their place in the showpiece final. The victory was largely orchestrated by an individual performance of note: summer signing Joao Pedro, who registered both goals.
In a narrative twist only football seems capable of producing, Pedro scored his first goals for the Blues against a club deeply tied to his formative years in Brazil. Making his first start in the tournament, deputizing for the suspended Liam Delap, the forward wasted no time demonstrating his predatory instincts and value to the squad. His brace not only sealed passage to the final but also presents manager Enzo Maresca with a welcome selection dilemma ahead of the decisive match.
Behind the attack, Chelsea`s engine room, anchored by Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, proved effectively impenetrable. Their disciplined positioning and sharp awareness consistently stifled Fluminense`s attempts to build momentum, cutting off potential attacks before they could pose a significant threat. Fernandez, in particular, showcased his vision, his passing range initiating rapid transitions forward, including a crucial assist for Pedro`s second goal which provided the necessary breathing room for the London side.
The match wasn`t without its tense moments and slices of fortune. Defensively, Marc Cucurella made a vital intervention, clearing a dangerous chance off the line to preserve Chelsea`s lead. Later, defender Trevoh Chalobah conceded a penalty for handball, prompting a collective holding of breath among the Chelsea faithful. However, a subsequent VAR review offered a reprieve; under the specific interpretation of the handball rule applied in this tournament format, Chalobah`s arm was deemed to be in a natural position, the penalty overturned. A moment of modern football`s glorious technicality granting a reprieve.
With this additional lifeline secured, Chelsea saw out the remainder of the match with relative composure. Having already secured the Conference League trophy this season, Chelsea are now one step away from adding another piece of significant silverware under Maresca`s guidance. This marks their return to the Club World Cup final stage for the first time since their triumphant campaign in 2021, albeit in a significantly larger and more globalized format this year.
Awaiting them in the final on July 13th is a true test of European pedigree: either French champions Paris Saint-Germain or Spanish giants Real Madrid. Regardless of the opponent, reaching this stage is a significant marker for Chelsea. It offers a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against the continent`s elite competitors ahead of their anticipated return to UEFA Champions League action in the upcoming season. Chelsea`s disciplined performance, coupled with a standout individual display from Joao Pedro, ensures a high-stakes, intriguing finale awaits.
Gareth Pendleton