Chelsea have change into the primary workforce to guide their spot within the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup remaining, defeating Fluminense 2-0 on the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Softfootball reported that the Blues not too long ago splashed the money to safe João Pedro from Brighton, and the Brazilian justified his price ticket with two brilliantly taken targets that sealed Chelsea’s place within the remaining.
With Fluminense eradicated, no South American workforce stays within the match, leaving three European golf equipment Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Actual Madrid in rivalry for the title.
In accordance with Flashscore, Fluminense got here into the conflict on an 11-match unbeaten run and began strongly, going toe-to-toe with the European giants within the early exchanges.
Nonetheless, within the 18th minute, catastrophe struck for the Brazilian outfit. A cross from Pedro Neto was solely partially cleared, falling kindly to João Pedro on the fringe of the field. The 22-year-old took full benefit, curling a spectacular strike previous the goalkeeper to place Chelsea forward.
The Blues pressed for a second purpose and practically obtained it when Malo Gusto met a cross with a agency header, however it was comfortably saved by the Fluminense shot-stopper.
Moments later, Fluminense thought that they had drawn degree when Hércules slipped a shot between Robert Sánchez’s legs, just for Marc Cucurella to heroically clear the ball off the road.
The drama continued when the referee pointed to the spot after Trevoh Chalobah was deemed to have dealt with the ball contained in the field. Nonetheless, VAR intervened, controversially overturning the choice, ruling that Chalobah’s arm was in a pure place.
Regardless of the let-off, Chelsea didn’t relaxation. Fluminense substitute Everaldo threatened to carry his aspect again into the sport, inflicting bother for the Blues’ protection. However Chelsea held their floor and finally discovered the cushion they had been searching for.
In a superb transfer, Cole Palmer confirmed composure below stress in his personal half, muscling off a problem earlier than selecting out Enzo Fernández in area. The Argentine playmaker then performed a superbly weighted go to João Pedro, who calmly fired in his second purpose of the night time to seal the win.
The two-0 victory ensures Chelsea will seem of their third Membership World Cup remaining, with an opportunity to raise the trophy for the second time of their historical past.
