JOAO Pedro had an impressive Chelsea debut as they scored a 2-0 victory against Fluminense in the semifinals round of FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines) at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Pedro, who moved to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion last week, curled home a strike in the 18th minute before sealing the win with another shot early in the second half to secure the finals seat.
“We knew with Joao Pedro that we have a player that is able to do what he has just done,” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said in an interview with DAZN. “I’m pleased about everything, to be honest. It’s a great achievement.”
“It’s been a fantastic season. To finish top four in the Premier League, win the Conference League title, now in the final in the Club World Cup. We are so, so, so happy,” he added.
Chelsea commenced the match with a commanding presence against a Fluminense’s deep five-man defense, a setup that encouraged their opponents to maintain possession while they sought opportunities to counterattack.
Chelsea faced difficulties in penetrating Fluminense’s defensive structure; however, they managed to score the opening goal in the 18th minute, courtesy of Pedro’s strike from the edge of the penalty area that found the top corner of the net.
Fluminense nearly tied the score when Hercules burst unmarked into the box following a one-two connection with German Cano, only for Marc Cucurella’s goalline clearance to preserve Chelsea’s lead.
Just as Fluminense appeared to be building momentum in the second half, Pedro doubled their lead in the 56th minute as he took a fine pass by Enzo Fernandez before dribbling past Ignacio and smashing in an unstoppable shot off the underside of the crossbar.
Chelsea will face Real Madrid or Paris St Germain, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in the Philippines), in the one-game finale on Sunday (Monday in the Philippines).
This is an opportunity for Chelsea to secure a second FIFA Club World Cup, following their 2021 victory./PN
