🔬 The Debrief as Chelsea's new hero fires them to Club World Cup final | OneFootball

The Club World Cup has its first finalist after Chelsea secured their place in the showpiece occasion in New Jersey.

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This is how the first semi-final went down.

What happened? 📝

João Pedro enjoyed a full debut to remember for Chelsea at the MetLife Stadium against Fluminense.

He mustered two blistering finishes against his boyhood club and former employers to send Enzo Maresca's men through with a 2-0 win.

Player of the Day 🔥

There is no doubt about this one.

Firstly, the Brazilian came up with a fantastic curling strike from the edge of the area in the first half to put the Blues in the box seat and justifying their decision to sign him in time to compete in the latter stages of this competition.

Shortly after half-time, he thundered a magnificent strike in off the crossbar on the counter-attack to ensure Fluminense's dream run would come to an end.

Has he already made himself his new club's first choice striker?

What this means 🤔

It means Chelsea are the first side to book their place in the final of the competition, their first since 2021 when they beat Palmeiras.

They do have a mixed record in Club World Cup finals, having lost their first and only other venture to Corinthians in 2012.

Fluminense's tournament is now over, with FIFA confirming that there will be no third place play-off in this edition of the competition.

What they said 🗣️

"I only arrived here one week ago and now I'm going to play in a final! I've really enjoyed it so far. Everyone has been very welcoming so I'm happy with this start." João Pedro

"It’s been really difficult in the last few days and I just want to leave a message that this final is for [Diogo Jota] and his brother. It’s a really tough time for me, it’s difficult to speak about it and let’s hope I can do it for him." Pedro Neto

"João Pedro is a special player. I recommended him to people in Europe before who take care of my fitness. I faced a few times when I played for Chelsea and he had two great games against us. I knew he was special but didn't expect such an inspired afternoon today!" Thiago Silva

What's next? 👀

Chelsea will play in Sunday night's final at the same venue but who they face will be determined on Wednesday.

PSG face Real Madrid for the right to compete with the Blues for glory.

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