The unique charm of Gianni Infantino’s extended summer of football is captivating, and it’s clear that João Pedro is making the most of it. Just last week, he flew in from a sun-soaked Brazilian beach and, despite his recent travels, he has already made a significant impact on his new team, Chelsea. With two powerful finishes against his boyhood club, Fluminense, he has helped propel Chelsea into the final of the Club World Cup. This impressive performance marks a thrilling debut for one of the latest additions to Enzo Maresca’s attacking lineup.
Fluminense, the club that nurtured João Pedro, was ultimately left disappointed as they fell to Chelsea in a semi-final that showcased a one-sided contest. Chelsea clearly outperformed their opponents, even amidst controversy surrounding the reversal of a first-half penalty. This penalty was awarded for an inadvertent handball by Trevoh Chalobah, yet Chelsea's overall performance ensured that they were not overly concerned about the potential fatigue from their Premier League campaign. The financial and sporting benefits of their time in the U.S. have been significant, allowing the team to build momentum following their qualification for the Champions League and their victory in the Conference League last season.
Chelsea is beginning to feel a sense of growth, especially with João Pedro’s arrival from Brighton. His attacking prowess and eagerness to strike the ball not only adds depth to the squad but also provides a valuable option against teams that defend deeply. This raises concerns for Nicolas Jackson, who has struggled for playing time since receiving a red card against Flamengo last month. With Liam Delap serving a one-game ban, Jackson’s opportunities are dwindling, and he will need to respond to the challenge posed by Delap and João Pedro to maintain his position in the team.
As Chelsea prepares for their return to the MetLife Stadium for the final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, the stakes are high. It’s somewhat amusing that the fourth-best team in England is just one win away from being crowned world champions. Chelsea continues to push forward, and the financial transformation from their run in the tournament cannot be overstated. The club has already earned over £80 million by reaching this stage, with the potential to approach £100 million should they lift the trophy.
One major concern for Maresca is the fitness of Moisés Caicedo, who suffered an ankle twist during the closing stages of the semi-final. Although Caicedo attempted to continue playing, the pain proved too great, and losing him would be a significant setback, especially with Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo also absent. Nonetheless, an all-European final is on the horizon, and Chelsea has shown resilience even under challenging conditions, such as the sweltering 35°C temperatures at kick-off.
Chelsea’s attacking strategy was intriguing, especially with the absence of Noni Madueke, who remains linked with a transfer to Arsenal. João Pedro was pivotal in Chelsea’s opening goal, which came after a mistake from former Chelsea player Thiago Silva. The 18th-minute error allowed João Pedro to capitalize, and he demonstrated no mercy, showcasing his skill with a dipping, swerving shot past Fluminense's goalkeeper, Fábio. Despite Chelsea wasting several chances to extend their lead, their intensity remained high, and they continued to push back a Fluminense side that struggled with the heat.
As the match progressed, Chelsea’s dominance became more apparent, especially following João Pedro’s second goal—an impressive strike that showcased his ability to navigate defenses. With both Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer posing constant threats, Chelsea proved to be a formidable opponent. While two goals were enough to secure victory in this semi-final, the upcoming final promises to be a more demanding challenge, yet the prospect of world domination is tantalizingly within reach for Chelsea.
