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Chelsea continued their impressive run of form this summer after winning the UEFA Conference League and qualifying for next season's Champions League, by reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with four wins from five games.
In the quarter-finals, “The Blues” overcame Palmeiras 2-1, thanks to the opening goal from Cole Palmer and an own goal from Agustin Giay. However, Brazilian youngster Estevao, who is about to join Chelsea, also made his mark with a consolation goal for his hometown team.
Before that, coach Enzo Maresca's team overcame Benfica in the round of 16 in a match interrupted by the weather and only decided after extra time. Although only finishing second in Group D after a 1-3 defeat to Flamengo, Fluminense's city rivals, Chelsea were still considered to have fallen into the easier bracket, avoiding other European giants.
The 2021 Club World Cup winners are now just one win away from the final, and on the back of a strong campaign since winning the Conference League, the London side are aiming for a double this summer.
No longer the image of mid-season instability that once shook Maresca's position, Chelsea are now full of confidence, and they will face former captain Thiago Silva, a defensive icon at Stamford Bridge, on the other side of the battle line.
Meanwhile, Fluminense continued their fairy tale run in the US with a 2-1 win over Al-Hilal in the quarter-finals, who had eliminated Manchester City earlier.
In Orlando, the Brazilians took the lead thanks to a classy finish from Martinelli. Al-Hilal equalised with Marcos Leonardo’s fourth goal of the tournament, but once again Hercules was the hero. The midfielder, who scored the winner against Inter Milan in the previous round, continued his fine form with a low strike to seal the win.
Fluminense entered the knockout stages as Group F runners-up, following a win over Ulsan HD and two goalless draws. Renato Gaucho's side are now unbeaten in 11 games, keeping five clean sheets in their last seven.
Remarkably, 50% of Fluminense's goals at the FIFA Club World Cup have come after the 70th minute, while a defence led by Thiago Silva has conceded just one second-half goal throughout the tournament.
Despite being the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, Fluminense are not the strongest team in Brazil at the moment. Last season, they were only 4 points above the relegation zone, and are currently ranked 6th in the 2025 National Championship. However, with their spirit of overcoming difficulties, experience and cohesive collective play, the team from Rio de Janeiro has been and is making miracles.
After becoming only the fourth manager in the club's history to reach 100 wins, coach Renato Gaucho is now leading Fluminense to just two games away from the world title.
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Source: https://tienphong.vn/truc-tiep-ban-ket-fifa-club-world-cup-chelsea-vs-fluminense-2h00-ngay-97-viet-tiep-giac-mo-post1758625.tpo
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