João Pedro sends Chelsea to the final of the World Cup of The Stunners Sink Fluminense | Club World Cup 2025

Above all, the conference brought that in Zo Maresca wanted to add more cunning to its attack when Chelsea signed João Pedro last week. Less has been made of the former Brighton striker’s ability to crash through a defense of the opposition. Again, Fluminense made João Pedro and was probably not surprised to find their former star in the shape of a scintillating striker in this semi-final of the Unilateral Club World Cup.

Two thunderous finishes of the versatile striker were sufficient to make sure that Chelsea will return to the Metlife stadium to face Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid during the final on Sunday. They can earn 97 million pounds at the price of this tournament, which is probably as well given their expenses.

Up to 60 million pounds sterling have been invested in João Pedro, although in all honesty that looks like Smart Business to judge by its first two performances for its new team. It was an impressive way for him to follow his encouraging cameo against Palmeiras and will tell Maresca that he will have a lot of variety in attack next season.

A special series of applause also to FIFA for finding a way to compromise its own product by organizing this game with an intense sun of the afternoon beating on the New Jersey. There is no point in debating whether people who make these calls have a real love for football. The European public comes first and a little consideration is given to the well-being of players. “We will try to adapt,” said Maresca, but it was difficult with temperatures reaching 35 ° C at kick -off, high humidity and this stage without roof far from being full.

Chelsea’s concern was that the heat would act like a leveler. Again, Fluminense is the oldest team in the tournament and barely adorned the brutal conditions. They were firm outsiders and started temporarily, quickly withdrawn into a low block.

Chelsea was stimulated by Moisés Caicedo returning from the suspension. Maresca was without Levi Colwill and Liam Delap suspended, but there are many Italian resources. Tosin Adarabioyo replaced Colwill in central defense and João Pedro obtained the head of Nicolas Jackson in advance.

The composition of Chelsea’s attack was intriguing. There was no place for Noni Madueke, which continues to be linked to Arsenal. Pedro Neto went to the left and Christopher Nkunku derived from the right.

The Nkunku movement was a positive characteristic during the first half, while its determination suggests that it could still have a future at the club. Thiago Silva, the former Chelsea central defender, had full hands. Cole Palmer’s creativity caused problems and Enzo Fernández blocked a shot.

Chelsea looked too fast for Brazilians. There was 18 minutes on the clock when Neto jumped on the left. His low cross was half released and João Pedro seized possession at the edge of the area.

The 23 -year -old did not hesitate to punish his childhood club. There was no celebration of João Pedro, but there was no pity either. After having displayed his intelligent liaison game against Palmeiras, he now showed his technical side, putting himself before putting his laces through a shot that plunged and swerved beyond Fábio to give Chelsea a deserved advance.

The challenge was established in Jackson. He already had competition from Delap but now has the versatile João Pedro blocking his way. Maresca can afford to be ruthless. That said, he still needs his team to become cooler in the last third. Neto, Nkunku and Malo Gusto pushed the chances of making it 2-0, offering a vague hope of a return.

The game was more even when the intensity of Chelsea dropped. Marc Cucurella died from the line of Hércules and Fluminense thought that they had a penalty when Trevoh Chalobah managed a cross, only for the decision to be reversed after an examination of the French referee, François Letexier.

Chelsea had to answer. Fluminense made changes of attack at the start of the second half and almost equalized when Everaldo drew straight on Robert Sánchez a few moments after his arrival. Now, however, there was more space for Chelsea at the break. Fluminense was forced to continue the game and leave gaps at the back. They pushed back, but Chelsea a counters. Palmer set up an approximate challenge and found Fernández, who sent João Pedro to the left.

The Brazilian still had a lot to do. He made things easy. This time, João Pedro cut inside, opened his body and used his right foot to send a growing reader outside the bar.

Crispy and clinical, Chelsea was on the way to the final. They looked for a third goal, Nkunku approaching twice. Jackson came to try to impress but wasted a late chance, shooting largely. It barely intended when Chelsea was so superior, however. The last promise of being much more trying, but the possibility of becoming world champions is within their reach.