Just six days after completing a £55 million move from Brighton, the 23-year-old striker started in place of the suspended Liam Delap and delivered two brilliant goals in his full debut under manager Enzo Maresca. With the win, Chelsea not only progressed to Sunday’s final—where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain—but also secured £25 million in prize money, making Pedro’s transfer fee appear like a bargain.
Chelsea’s early goal, Palmer’s creativity help stave off upset
Chelsea’s biggest tactical threat against a deep-sitting Fluminense—especially without their standout midfielder Matheus Martinelli—was always predictable. The Brazilian side aimed to crowd the middle, concede possession, and force Chelsea to rely on wide play. In that setup, João Pedro risked becoming isolated against three center backs, while midfield creativity fell to Moisés Caicedo and the occasional inverted fullback—a combination far from elite playmaking standards.
In stifling heat and humidity, the tempo threatened to slow, potentially opening the door for Fluminense’s Hercules to strike on a set piece or counterattack, as he’s done throughout the tournament. But that scenario never played out. João Pedro broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range goal in the 18th minute, forcing Fluminense to abandon their passive approach and push forward—creating the very space Chelsea needed.
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Fluminense bow out, but Brazilian clubs have been a hit
Fluminense entered the Club World Cup as Brazil’s least-favored side after a disappointing domestic season that saw them finish in the bottom half of Série A and flirt with relegation. Yet under Renato Portaluppi’s leadership, they defied expectations, becoming the longest-surviving Brazilian club in a tournament that showcased the nation’s footballing strength.
All four Brazilian teams reached the knockout stage, validating the decision to pause the domestic league during the competition. Fluminense’s run to the semifinals stood out as the country’s most impressive achievement. Flamengo made headlines early by defeating Chelsea in the group stage, while Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo stunned newly crowned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. Palmeiras also impressed, narrowly losing to Chelsea in the quarterfinals.
João Pedro a seamless fit in Chelsea’s attack
If Liam Delap hadn’t earned a needless suspension against Palmeiras, João Pedro might not have started his first match for Chelsea. Instead, fans witnessed a standout performance from the 23-year-old, capped by two brilliant goals. His first—a thunderous strike from outside the box—was followed by a composed second: cutting in from the left, ignoring two support runners, and rifling the ball into the roof of the Fluminense net. Confidence clearly isn’t an issue. João Pedro plays with the kind of swagger you can’t teach.
Despite facing his former club, he chose not to celebrate—a mark of respect. More impressively, he slotted seamlessly into Enzo Maresca’s system, looking like a seasoned starter rather than someone with just four training sessions under his belt. Chelsea’s transfer strategy often makes the squad feel like a revolving door, but João Pedro’s arrival brings structure and promise to the attack.
Incredible Thiago Silva showed his age, but also his quality
Thiago Silva will turn 41 in September, and at times during Fluminense’s clash with Chelsea, the years seemed to catch up with him. Battling intense New Jersey heat and the relentless pace of Chelsea’s youthful attackers João Pedro and Nicolas Jackson, the veteran defender faced a tough challenge. While Silva’s illustrious career with AC Milan, PSG, and Chelsea proves his elite pedigree, he found himself up against a different kind of test—raw speed and explosive movement.
To manage the tempo, Silva often dropped deep, effectively acting as an old-school sweeper. This outdated role, once reserved for aging defenders with high football IQs, hasn’t featured in top-tier football for over two decades due to the game’s rapid evolution. Yet Silva reverted to it, giving Chelsea’s forwards ample space to exploit between the lines.
‘RefCam’ highlights challenges of modern-day refereeing
Initially dismissed as a novelty, “RefCam” is proving to be a valuable tool in helping fans understand how referees make split-second decisions. A perfect example came during the Club World Cup when referee François Letexier awarded a penalty after the ball struck Trevoh Chalobah’s arm. VAR intervened, suggesting a review, as replays indicated Chalobah’s arm was more or less by his side—an action that might not meet the “clear and obvious” standard in UEFA competitions. However, FIFA tends to allow more VAR involvement, and Letexier ultimately overturned the decision.
What made the moment unique was how “RefCam” provided insight into the referee’s initial perspective. From Letexier’s angle, it looked as though Chalobah’s arm was extended and slightly behind his back, justifying the initial call. After reviewing the footage and announcing his decision to over 70,000 fans at MetLife Stadium, Letexier reversed the penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is João Pedro and why is he important for Chelsea?
João Pedro is a Brazilian forward who recently joined Chelsea from Brighton. He made an immediate impact by scoring twice in his full debut at the Club World Cup, showcasing his creativity, pace, and finishing ability.
What is the Club World Cup and why does it matter?
The FIFA Club World Cup is an international tournament featuring champion clubs from each continent. It offers global exposure, high-level competition, and significant prize money, making it a valuable platform for both clubs and players.
How did Brazilian clubs perform in the Club World Cup?
All four Brazilian teams—Fluminense, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Palmeiras—reached the knockout stages. Fluminense advanced to the semifinals, marking a successful campaign for Brazil and underlining the country’s club-level strength.
What role did Thiago Silva play in Fluminense’s Club World Cup run?
At nearly 41 years old, Thiago Silva used his experience and game intelligence to anchor Fluminense’s defense. Despite his age-related physical limitations, his leadership and positioning remained key, including a critical goal-line clearance against Chelsea.
What is ‘RefCam’ and how does it help in football matches?
“RefCam” is a technology that shows the referee’s point of view during the match. It enhances transparency by allowing fans to see how decisions are made in real time, helping bridge the gap between referee judgment and audience perception.
What tactical approach did Chelsea use against Fluminense?
Chelsea aimed to stretch Fluminense’s deep defensive line by using the flanks, with João Pedro as the central figure. Cole Palmer also dropped deeper at times to support buildup play, offering tactical flexibility under manager Enzo Maresca.
Who are Chelsea’s main attacking options moving forward?
Chelsea’s frontline boasts depth and versatility with João Pedro, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, and new signings like Estevão Willian and Jamie Gittens. Each brings a unique style, giving Maresca multiple tactical setups.
Why did the Brazilian domestic league pause during the Club World Cup?
To ensure teams could compete at full strength, Brazil suspended its domestic league during the Club World Cup. The decision paid off, as all four participating clubs advanced to the knockout stages and represented the nation well on the global stage.
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup showcased not only the tactical evolution of top-tier football but also the rising influence of South American clubs and emerging talent. Chelsea’s success, powered by João Pedro’s breakout performance, underlined the depth and promise of their new-look squad.
Meanwhile, Brazilian sides proved their competitiveness on the global stage, with Fluminense’s deep run and Thiago Silva’s leadership drawing admiration despite the physical demands.