By Victor Kanayo
Chelsea FC are now awaiting their final opponent in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup after beating Fluminense of Brazil 2-0 in the first semi-final clash at New Jersey.
It was a brilliant brace from new signing Joao Pedro that earned the Blues a deserved victory against the Brazilian side, and in the process secured a spot in Sunday’s grand final.
Enzo Maresca’s men defended resolutely when required and could even have extended their advantage in the closing stages.
New Signing With Goals’ Blitz
New signing Joao Pedro scored twice on his first start as Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win over Fluminense on Tuesday to seal a spot in the final of the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian striker opened the scoring in lethal fashion in the 18th minute of the last-four clash at the MetLife Stadium and struck again shortly before the hour mark as Chelsea set up a showdown with either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday.
Signed from Brighton and Hove Albion just last week for a reported £60 million ($79 million), the 23-year-old cut short an off-season holiday and made his debut off the bench in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras.
Joao Pedro refused to celebrate after either goal against the club with whom he started his career and made 36 top-team appearances before moving to England with Watford in 2020.
An End To Another Brazil Side
The result ends Fluminense’s impressive run at the tournament after the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners had held Borussia Dortmund in the group stage, beaten Inter Milan in the last 16 and knocked out Manchester City’s conquerors Al-Hilal in the quarter-finals.
With their exit go the prospects of a South American winner of the first 32-team edition of the Club World Cup, with Chelsea claiming back-to-back victories against Brazilian opposition to reach the final.
Settled All-European Club Champion
As always seemed most likely, the trophy will be claimed by one of Europe’s superpowers, with the final now guaranteed to be between two of the last five winners of the UEFA Champions League.
The other semi-final happening later on Wednesday will see UEFA Champions League winners up against serial European Champions Real Madrid in what is expected to be an explosive encounter.
