Club World Cup: Golden Opportunity Awaits at MetLife Stadium

Fluminense vs Chelsea

We are all set for the first semi-final of the Club World Cup in the MetLife Stadium and a gilt-edged opportunity for either the sole South American or English side left in the competition to take.

This SBOTOP fan’s view of the tournament has been well documented but the flagship of FIFA has, at least, created some compelling contests and now Fluminense and Chelsea have a chance to reach its showpiece.

The west Londoners had a bloodied nose against one set of Brazilians in the group stages when Flamengo turned on the style. They then edged out another team with Latin flair in the shape of Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.

Now a third Anglo-Brazilian contest awaits where World Club Championship 2025 highlights will surely mean a place in the final after the two favourites, newly crowned European champions Paris St Germain and the long-established kings of Europe, Real Madrid, were paired together in the other last four tie.

Talking Points

While big-spending Chelsea have resources that Fluminense can only dream of, they will expect another significant test against South American opposition.

Enzo Maresca’s side only made it through to the last four after a late own goal, although the point about the difference in spending power was illustrated by the fact that Palmeiras’ goal came from an 18 year-old winger, Estevao, who will be playing at Stamford Bridge next season.

Fluminense booked their place with a 2-1 victory over Al-Hilal, surprise conquerors of Manchester City and, if that wasn’t a surprise victory, their last-16 triumph over Inter Milan certainly was.

That was a contest in which they gained real kudos, led by their veteran defender and captain, former Chelsea man Thiago Silva, a rolls-royce of a player.

It may surprise you to learn that Silva isn’t even the oldest player in their ranks. That accolade belongs to goalkeeper Fabio, who turns 45 in September, and he has enjoyed a fine tournament so far.

The progress of the 2023 Libertadores winners is all overseen by manager Renato Gaúcho who has his side well drilled and they are unbeaten in the competition so far.

They will have to do, however, without Juan Pablo Freytes and Martinelli who are both serving one-match suspensions, although they can welcome back full-back Rene following a ban of his own.

Chelsea are in a similar boat in that they can welcome back Moises Caicedo from suspension, but they have lost another two players, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, who both received their second yellow cards of the tournament last time out.

Reece James and Romeo Lavia both missed out on the win over Palmeiras due to injury and will need to be assessed.

The difference in squad depth between the two sides has been further highlighted in recent days with Chelsea completing the signing of Jamie Gittens in a deal worth up to £55 million.

The highly rated 20 year-old has joined from Borussia Dortmund on a seven-year deal. Chelsea had hoped to sign Gittens before the Club World Cup, and agreed personal terms with the player last month, but were unable to reach an agreement with Dortmund before the pre-tournament transfer deadline.

While he is unable to make his debut Stateside, Chelsea can field – if they wish – their other big money signing last week in the shape of forward Joao Pedro who has joined from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m.

Club World Cup: Joao Pedro arrived in Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion this month — Joao Pedro during Chelsea’ match against Palmeiras at Lincoln Financial Field

How many fans will see the action in New Jersey remains to be seen but the sparse crowds which have plagued much of the tournament have led to FIFA reducing the ticket prices from $474 to, in some case, just $13.

The governing body had earlier dropped ticket prices to $11.15 for the quarter-finals Fluminense and Chelsea were involved in.

Fan of the tournament or not, I feel these two teams deserve better backing!