Chelsea stormed into the Club World Cup final after crushing Fluminense 2-0 at MetLife Stadium. Brazilian striker Joao Pedro bagged both goals on his debut start since joining from Brighton last week. The 23-year-old forward cost Chelsea around 60 million pounds and proved his worth immediately. Coach Enzo Maresca could not hide his joy about reaching the showpiece match. The Blues will battle either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid for the trophy on Sunday.
Pedro refused to celebrate either goal against his former club from Rio de Janeiro. The young star began his professional career with Fluminense before moving to England four years ago. He thanked the Brazilian team for giving him his first chance as a player. Pedro admitted feeling sorry for his old teammates but said he had to stay professional. The striker collected the player of the match award after his brilliant performance.
Maresca praised Pedro for deciding the game with quality finishing. The Italian manager said Pedro looked fresh after his holiday break compared to other squad members. Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League this season and won the Conference League trophy. The coach believes this represents a return to where the London club belongs after difficult recent years.
Injury concerns surround midfielder Moises Caicedo after he twisted his ankle in stoppage time. Maresca hopes the Ecuadorian star can recover for Sunday's final. Fluminense manager Renato Portaluppi felt proud despite the defeat and said his team restored credibility to Brazilian football.
Pedro refused to celebrate either goal against his former club from Rio de Janeiro. The young star began his professional career with Fluminense before moving to England four years ago. He thanked the Brazilian team for giving him his first chance as a player. Pedro admitted feeling sorry for his old teammates but said he had to stay professional. The striker collected the player of the match award after his brilliant performance.
Maresca praised Pedro for deciding the game with quality finishing. The Italian manager said Pedro looked fresh after his holiday break compared to other squad members. Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League this season and won the Conference League trophy. The coach believes this represents a return to where the London club belongs after difficult recent years.
Injury concerns surround midfielder Moises Caicedo after he twisted his ankle in stoppage time. Maresca hopes the Ecuadorian star can recover for Sunday's final. Fluminense manager Renato Portaluppi felt proud despite the defeat and said his team restored credibility to Brazilian football.
