Joao Pedro scored two amazing goals in his first start for Chelsea as they beat Fluminense 2-0 to reach the Club World Cup final.
Signing of DKK 60 million Pounds from Brighton started his first start for Chelsea and showed why they wanted him with a goal in every half to sink the Brazilian side where he started his career and set up one last meeting with either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea endured a few afraid to preserve their first half lead, Marc Cucurella did well to clear the ball from the line after Hercules beat Robert Sanchez with his shot. Trevor Chalobah then saw the judge initially awarded a penalty against him.
The ball hit the Chelsea defender on hand after a leftist free kick, but a VAR review saw the official change the mind, giving up that the English international hand had been in a natural position. The Fluminense players were furious over the call.
In the swelling heat from New Jersey, fear of Chelsea was that they could falter under pressure. But when Fluminense chased the equalization, they were punished on the break by the man Joao Pedro. His powerful strike sent Chelsea into Sunday’s final.
Playing of the match: Joao Pedro
Chelsea had already made almost 60 million. Pounds in participation and prize money to reach the semi -final phase tournament, and they made another 22 million. Pounds with their victory over Fluminense. Additional £ 29 million Is on the field in the final this weekend.
In other words, Joao Pedro has quickly paid part of his fee with this scandalous full debut. Chelsea’s new signing had not scored outside the box in 70 games for his former club Brighton, but it only took him 18 minutes to curl the ball home here.
Joao Pedro has never scored a Premier League goal outside the penalty area
If this effort showed his class, his strike highlighted in the 2nd half other assets-Hans’s ability as a ball transport on the counter-attack, his dribbling threat and the power of his shooting. It was an emphatic finish from the Brazilian to everyone except Fluminense’s hope.
Joao Pedro celebrates his second goal against Fluminense with Enzo Fernandez
Nicolas Jackson emphasized the responsibility of leading the line for Chelsea last season, but with Liam Delap, who started an encouraging start to his career with the club, this performance from Joao Pedro gave further proof that Blues is strengthened.
His fluid movement makes him another suggestion, and he even contributed at the other end of the field with a crucial defensive headline late in the first half. He did not celebrate against the former club fluminense. But there will be many parties to come.
Joao Pedro On ‘Dream’ first start
Chelseas Joao Pedro talking to Dazn:
“I think it was a dream first start. I don’t think it could have been better. Two goals, now we have to think about the final. I’m very happy.
“I am glad to score my first goal but also I know that this tournament is very important for [Fluminense]. I can just say sorry but I have to be a professional. I play for Chelsea, they pay me to score goals.
“Now I have to rest and focus on the final. It will be a very important game.
“It will also be my first title, a very important and special game. I only came a week ago and I have to play the final.”
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca talking to Dazn About his new signing:
“Probably the good thing about Joao is that he was on vacation, he was more fresh than the rest. It was something to think about for the future.
“Joao Pedro played a little more deeply, but we know how good he is technically in the small spaces.”
Maresca: Hopefully we can win it
Asked what pleased him over the performance, Maresca told Dazn: “All to be honest. It’s a great achievement. It’s been a fantastic season, top four in the league, the Conference League, now in the final of this competition.
“We are so, so, so happy.
“We know we have to go games after games. Now it’s finally the last game of the season we can say that. And hopefully we can win the tournament.”
Analysis: Chelsea midfield duo -Key
SKY SPORTS NEWS ‘KAVEH SOLHEKOL AT METLIFE Stadium:
“Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo put a phenomenal shift today. They complemented each other perfectly and gave the Chelsea platform to win this game.
“Chelsea fans may have been worried about how they would do without the suspended Levi Colwill, but Fernandez and Caicedo protected Trevor Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo and also created several attacks.”
Who is playing Chelsea next?
Chelsea will return Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid In the Club World Cup final in New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium. The Champions League winners take real Wednesday night in the same place.