Info Malang Raya Its All About World News
Chelsea Advances to FIFA Club World Cup Final
Chelsea has made it to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-final. The Blues will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the championship match, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 13. This marks a significant achievement for the team as they continue their campaign in the prestigious tournament.
Path to the Final
Despite not being the favorites at the start of the competition, Chelsea has demonstrated strong performance throughout the tournament. Their journey began with a comfortable victory over MLS side LAFC in Group D, where Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez scored the goals. However, their path wasn’t without challenges, as they suffered a heavy defeat against Flamengo, though this was overshadowed by Nicolas Jackson’s red card.
Chelsea managed to secure their place in the knockout phase with a 3-0 win over African side Esperance. In the round of 16, they defeated Benfica 4-1, although the match had to be paused for two hours due to weather warnings. They then went on to beat Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, advancing to the semi-finals where they faced Fluminense. A brace from new signing Joao Pedro helped them win 2-0, securing their spot in the final.
Maresca’s Comments on Progress
Enzo Maresca, the Italian tactician, has faced criticism following Chelsea’s loss to Flamengo in the group stage. However, he is now on the verge of leading the Premier League club to a second trophy in the 2024/25 season. Maresca expressed his pride in reaching the final, stating, “We are very happy and very proud to play the final. This is the Club World Cup, the best clubs in the world are here. So for us to be there on Sunday is something we have to be proud and happy about.”
Financial Rewards
Despite the disruption to their break, Chelsea has earned substantial financial rewards from the tournament. FIFA has disbursed $475 million (approximately KSh 61 billion) to teams based on their performance. Each win earns a team $2 million (approximately KSh 258 million), while a draw gives $1 million (approximately KSh 129 million). The winner of the tournament receives $130 million (approximately KSh 17 billion).
With two wins in the group stage and three in the knockout stage, Chelsea has already earned around £80 million (KSh 14 billion) so far. This financial gain could be used to sign new players or strengthen the squad for future competitions.
Controversy Involving Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson
In a related incident, Cole Palmer reportedly became frustrated with Nicolas Jackson during Chelsea’s match against Fluminense. The England star was upset that Jackson did not pass the ball to him despite being in an open position. Jackson had previously received a red card in the group stage and has struggled to perform consistently in the Club World Cup.
As Chelsea prepares for the final, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the team can clinch the trophy and add another title to their growing list of achievements. With a strong squad and effective management, the Blues are well-positioned to make a strong push in the final match.
