Fluminense and Chelsea are set to clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday, with a coveted spot in the FIFA Club World Cup final at stake. The winner not only secures a place in the final but also stands to gain significant prize money—at least $30 million, escalating to $40 million for the champions.
Fluminense, the Brazilian powerhouse, has emerged as one of the standout teams in the tournament, led by the remarkable 40-year-old defender Thiago Silva. Silva, who has returned to his roots with Fluminense after a successful stint at Chelsea, has been instrumental in guiding his team to the semifinals. The squad has shown resilience, holding their opponents scoreless in three of their five matches thus far and showcasing their counter-attacking prowess, particularly in their previous encounters with Inter Milan and Al Hilal.
In contrast, Chelsea is no stranger to Brazilian teams, having faced Flamengo in the group stage and securing a victory against Palmeiras in the quarterfinals. Under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s young squad has displayed promising attacking capabilities, especially after acquiring Joao Pedro, which has increased their offensive options. However, Maresca is mindful of maintaining a balanced approach in the knockout rounds to ensure their advancement.
Both teams will be keenly aware of the tactical showdown ahead. Chelsea is expected to dominate possession, while Fluminense will be poised to exploit any opportunities on the break, making this an intriguing matchup that could even stretch into extra time.
Fans can catch the live action starting at 3 PM ET, with streaming available through DAZN, offering free access to every game.
As they prepare for this critical encounter, both teams carry the hopes of their supporters, making for an exciting atmosphere filled with anticipation for what could be a historic clash.