Entering the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Chelsea is not a team that is rated too highly. In the group stage, coach Enzo Maresca and his team did not play very well, only finishing 2nd in Group D, behind the Brazilian team Flamengo. However, since the knockout round, Chelsea has shown great character. The English representative has played better and better, defeating tough teams like Benfica and Palmeiras to enter the round of 4 strongest teams.
On the opposite side, Fluminense is considered an interesting "dark horse" in this year's tournament. The Brazilian representative is not too strong but continuously creates surprises against strong teams such as Inter Milan and Al Hilal. Fluminense's tenacity and discipline are highly appreciated. In particular, the defense with Thiago Silva (40 years old), Thiago Santos (35 years old), Rene (32 years old) or goalkeeper Fabio (44 years old) played solidly, creating the premise for the players on the attack to shine. Meeting Chelsea in the semi-finals, these 4 players with a total age of 161 of Fluminense continued to play and brought great hope from coach Renato Gaúcho.
Fluminense's defense had a hard time against the speed of Chelsea's strikers (in white shirts)
PHOTO: REUTERS
Fluminense's "old men" face difficulties against Chelsea
However, with a squad of young, fast players, Chelsea took full advantage of the slowness of the Fluminense defense to create an overwhelming game in the first half. Coach Enzo Maresca's team controlled the ball nearly 60%, shot 6 times - double what Fluminense created in this half. Chelsea's forward line with the trio of Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Pedro constantly moved, swapping positions with each other, making it difficult for the Fluminense defense to keep up. In addition, Cole Palmer also played outstandingly as usual, diligently moving into the middle to create impressive plays. At the end of this half, Chelsea also had a 1-0 advantage. The one who brought joy to Chelsea was Joao Pedro with a beautiful shot in the 18th minute. Notably, this was also Joao Pedro's first goal since joining the team in early July 2025.
On the opposite side, Fluminense had a hard time when they were behind. Coach Renato Gaúcho's players did not have many ideas to attack, only having 1 shot on target after the first half. Fluminense relied heavily on high balls but were easily neutralized by Chelsea's defense. At the end of the first half, the Brazilian representative increased the speed to find an equalizer. However, Fluminense was still stuck and could not penetrate the opponent's net.
Joao Pedro scores his first goal for Chelsea
PHOTO: REUTERS
After the break, Chelsea still dominated the game. The London team took the initiative to increase the tempo of the match in the first minutes of the second half, creating many impressive plays. In the 56th minute, striker João Pedro continued to score a beautiful masterpiece, helping Chelsea lead 2-0.
Trailing by 2 goals, Fluminense fought back to find an equalizer. However, just like the first half, the Brazilian representative played disjointedly, without many notable attacks. Fluminense only had more than 40% possession, shot 5 more times but only 1 shot on target and could not trouble Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez. In fact, if Chelsea's strikers were more careful in their counter-attacks, Fluminense's net could have shaken a third time.
Fluminense powerless to penetrate Chelsea's net
PHOTO: REUTERS
Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 to become the first team to reach the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Coach Enzo Maresca's team will face the winner of the other semi-final between PSG and Real Madrid. This exciting match will take place at 2:00 a.m. on July 10.
Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ live and only in Vietnam on FPT Play, at http://fptplay.vn.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hang-thu-toan-ong-gia-het-phep-ngua-o-fluminense-bat-luc-nhin-chelsea-vao-chung-ket-185250709040424579.htm
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