Enzo Maresca`s Chelsea squad prepares to face the last remaining non-European competitor in the tournament. Kick-off is scheduled for 9 PM Italian time.
Tonight, at 9 PM Italian time, East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, will host the first of two semi-finals in the Club World Cup. Fluminense, the final South American side still in contention, will go head-to-head with Chelsea. Given that the other finalist will emerge from tomorrow`s PSG-Real Madrid clash at the same stadium and time, a Fluminense elimination would guarantee an all-European final in this first expanded edition of the competition. The general narrative frames this match as Fluminense standing as a bulwark against the overwhelming dominance of European football.
A Familiar Face and Veteran Presence
Thiago Silva, the defender and captain for Fluminense, an ex-player for AC Milan, has a history with three of the four semi-finalists. Having previously played for both Chelsea and PSG, he now anchors the defense for the Tricolor from Rio de Janeiro. “It`s a special match for me,” Silva stated, “I know many Chelsea players, and I`m still in contact with some of them. My children live and study in London. It`s a special match for me, but it will be even more special if we qualify.” Fluminense leans heavily on the 40-year-old Silva and their 44-year-old goalkeeper, Fabio. At a combined age of 84 (or nearly 86, considering both were born in September), they represent a remarkable level of experience and resilience.
Coach Renato Portaluppi is expected to field the same lineup used against Inter in the round of 16 and Al Hilal in the quarter-finals. This formation is a solid 3-5-2, employing a seemingly “Italianist” strategy: focusing on defense, launching quick counter-attacks, and capitalizing on the opponent`s smallest errors. However, Fluminense will be without the suspended Freytes, a defensive cornerstone. Marco Materazzi, speaking on ESPN, highlighted him as one of the tournament`s most interesting defenders: “He is quick, strong, and technical.” Matheus Martinelli, who found the net against Al Hilal, is also suspended and will be replaced by Hercules, who has scored twice.
Maresca, Palmer, and an Emotional Return?
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea`s Italian manager, and Gigio Donnarumma, PSG`s goalkeeper, are the last remaining Italians in the tournament following the exits of Inter and Juventus. Tonight, the spotlight is on Maresca. He relies on Cole Palmer as his technical leader on the field and might consider starting Joao Pedro, the striker recently acquired from Brighton for a hefty €70 million, bonuses included. (One wonders how that fits the spirit of UEFA`s Financial Fair Play rules, but that`s a question for another day).
Joao Pedro grew up in Fluminense`s youth academy, making this potential encounter highly emotional. After a 36-minute debut for Chelsea against Palmeiras, he seems poised to face his roots. If Maresca decides to start him, Nicolas Jackson might find himself on the bench, reportedly growing increasingly discontented. For clubs scouting for a striker, Jackson could present an intriguing opportunity.
As the semi-final approaches, the stage is set for a fascinating clash of styles and continental aspirations. Will Fluminense successfully defend the honor of South America, or will Chelsea march on towards an all-European final?
Ewan Marwood