Fluminense Vs Chelsea - Club World Cup RECAP
Relive Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Chelsea take on Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup at the MetLife Stadium.
One. More. Step.
By Harry Bamforth
The final awaits Chelsea.
I'm not sure many would have predicted the Blues to make it this far in the Club World Cup ahead of the tournament. I certainly didn't.
That's not to say they are not a good team; it's just that the tournament is stacked, and they didn't look great in the early rounds.
But with each passing game, Enzo Maresca's men have improved, and today they put on one hell of a show.
Joao Pedro was the star of it, as you will all be well aware of by now due to the number of posts written about him.
His two sizzling strikes marked the perfect debut, and now Chelsea will wait to see whether it's Real Madrid or PSG that they will be playing on Sunday.
Either way, it will be a cracker of a final.
Now, I need to go and hit the hay. Thank you for joining me this evening, and I'm sure I will see you when we do it all over again tomorrow.
Until then, goodnight.
21:46
'Pedro heading on right trajectory'
By Harry Bamforth
Gareth Bale, former Real Madrid and Spurs star, on DAZN:
It's not just the goals, slot200 it's the link-up play, the passing, and the vision. Even just coming into a new team and trying to understand your teammates is very difficult as well. It was a great all-around performance, and he thoroughly deserved the player of the match.
I'm not saying Brighton are a small club but he has made the next step up to a team that are playing Champions League and challenging for trophies. He is on the right trajectory and I think if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps working hard - you can see the ability he has so hopefully he can keep ticking on.
21:41
Pedro gets POTM
By Harry Bamforth
Oh my word, you have to be joking, right?
Of course, I'm just being silly. IF FIFA had given the Player of the Match award to anybody other than Joao Pedro, it would have been an outrage.
The perfect performance and the perfect debut. The only problem now is that he has set the bar ridiculously high for himself.
Not a bad problem to have, mind.
21:36
Pedro: 'It felt like a dream'
By Harry Bamforth
Joao Pedro, Chelsea goalscorer, speaking to Dazn:
I think it was a dream. I don't think it could have been better. Two goals. Now we need to think about the final. I am very happy to score two goals today. I am happy to score my first goal for Chelsea, but I also know this tournament is very important for Fluminense. I can just say sorry but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals, and today I was happy to score.
He [Enzo Maresca] just said to me to play the same as I did in the last game. Because I had more time to do my stuff, I was happy to score, the team won, the team played well, and that is important. I try to improve every session, but I know it is hard. They helped me as well. Now I need to rest, focus on the final because I think it will be a very important game.
On having a chance to win the CWC:
It would be my first title as well. I think it will be a very important game, a very special game. I came one week ago and now I am going to play a final. I am very happy. The team have been very welcoming to me and now we need to move forward.
21:32
Maresca: 'We are proud'
By Harry Bamforth
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head coach, speaking to DAZN:
It is a great achievement. It has been a fantastic season; top four in the Premier League, Conference League and now in the final of this competition - we are so, so happy.
On Joao Pedro's display:
We know that we have players who are able to do that, and we know we have to help them get in situations where they can do that, and we know Joao can do this. Nicolas is our player. He is a striker. He played almost all the games last season. Now Joao started today, but yes, he was OK.
I am very happy to be honest because I know how difficult it is with all the games. Premier League top four, we won the Conference League, and now a final here - it is fantastic. We go game by game. Finally, we have the last game of the season, and hopefully we can win the tournament.
On facing PSG or Real Madrid:
They are both top teams. One won the Champions League this season, the other one last season. They are top teams but we are proud and we are happy to be there.
21:27
Chelsea stars give Silva love
By Harry Bamforth
And so they should!
As soon as the final whistle went, the majority of Chelsea players decided to go over to Thiago Silva rather than celebrate.
I mean, he was their captain for a few years, so you'd expect no less, really.
Still, it's always nice to see the love, isn't it?
21:22
'Pedro repays faith'
By Harry Bamforth
John Obi Mikel, former Chelsea midfielder, speaking on DAZN:
Joao Pedro with those two goals showed his quality. He has repaid the faith shown in him by Enzo Maresca to start the game. It was a fantastic performance from the whole team.
21:18
WATCH: Pedro smashes in second
By Harry Bamforth
Want to see Joao Pedro's second goal? Oh, go on then.
It may not be quite as good as his first, but still, it's one hell of a finish from the Brazilian.
I always love goals that go in off the bar, too. They are just so satisfying to watch and make a beautiful sound.
I could watch this over and over again.
21:14
Pedro shows his worth
By Harry Bamforth
Debuts don't get much better than that, do they?
I bet Newcastle fans are sitting on their sofas, gutted. In another world, they could have seen Joao Pedro banging them in the famous black and white jersey.
Instead, he opted to make the switch to Chelsea, and boy, has he made his bow in style.
Not only has he just scored a brace on his debut for the club in a semi-final of a major competition, but both goals were absolute bangers, belters, stunners. One's for the showreel.
It's a shame that he could only celebrate by apologising to the Fluminense fans, and not wheeling away and going mental. However, it makes perfect sense.
I'm sure we will see the lad celebrating properly very soon.
21:09
'Pedro paying for himself'
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
Joao Pedro is practically paying for himself, given this win banked Chelsea an additional £22m on top of the £60m they had already secured by participating in FIFA's United States jamboree.
21:04
FULL-TIME: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Job done for Chelsea, and what a job it was.
The Blues are into the Club World Cup final, and boy, was it a breeze of a semi-final for them.
They barely got out of second gear, and on another da,y they may well have scored five or six, maybe even more.
But Joao Pedro's two will do, and now they wait to see whether it will be PSG or Real Madrid in the final.
An all-European showcase awaits.
21:03, 98'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Jeez, that would have been some goal.
Everaldo morphs into Cristiano Ronaldo for a moment as he opts for an overhead kick as the ball flies his way.
It's a brilliant effort, but the ball flies wide of the mark, and he ends up in a heap on the floor.
Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo does not look in a good way, he is having to come off despite Chelsea having no substitutions left.
Not good, not good at all.
21:00, 95'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
This is a good sign.
Chelsea fans may be able to relax as Moises Caicedo is on his feet and is seemingly doing OK.
The Blues have made all their changes, so he is having to hobble back onto the pitch. Not ideal, I know.
But he is jogging, albeit gingerly.
20:59, 94'
OUCH! Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Oh no... this is not looking good.
Moises Caicedo is rolling around on the ground, he looks in agony here.
The midfielder rolls his ankle, and the replay shows that it's not a good one, whatsoever.
Enzo Maresca will be holding his breath.
20:57, 93'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
And that should be that.
Fluminense have one final push as the ball is whipped onto the head of Keno.
He meets it, but guides his header wide of the post. That is surely their last chance.
20:56, 92'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Cole Palmer is on his knees; he is shattered.
The heat here has wiped him out, as has his brilliant performance. As always, he has made Chelsea tick today.
If it wasn't for Nicolas Jackson being a silly billy, he'd have a goal, too.
20:55
SIX added minutes
By Harry Bamforth
Fluminense have six minutes to save their skin.
Will they use them well? Probably not, Chelsea look to be strolling into the final.
They are nearly there.
20:53
'An exhibition from Pedro today'
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
This has been an exhibition of finesse and explosion from Joao Pedro, whose second strike was clocked at 75mph by FIFA. Nicolas Jackson needs to use these opportunities when he comes on to show what he can do, too.
20:52, 86'
SUBSTITUTION: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
More changes, hooray...
Andrey Santos comes on to boos due to his Vasco de Gama past, but I bet he loves that.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also on, as Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandes both make way.
20:50, 85'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Just wide... oh wait, nope, the whistle has gone.
Thiago Silva is involved before the ball drops to Arias, who fires wide, but it wouldn't have counted anyway.
Nothing is going right for Fluminense.
20:47, 83'
CHANCE! Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Fluminense are clinging on here, they really are.
Nicolas Jackson finds himself in again, and this time it's certainly the right decision to have a pop.
But as he pulls the trigger, he is smothered by Fabio, and the chance goes begging again.
The Blues just can't get that third and wrap this up.
20:45, 81'
CHANCE! Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Oh dear... Nicolas Jackson.
What is he thinking? The striker has the perfect opportunity to square the ball to Cole Plamer for a tap-in, but opts to go alone.
And guess what? Yep, he hits the side-netting from a tight angle. Awful decision.
Palmer goes apaplectic, kicking the post before screaming some harsh words at his team-mate.
Completely fair, I think.
20:42, 77'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Wow.
No, something crazy has not just happened, but they have just shown Joao Pedro's second goal again.
It's one hell of a counter and one hell of a finish. So satisfying how it crashes in off the bar.
Anyway, the cooling break is over now... back to the action.
20:39, 73'
YELLOW CARD: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Seriously?
There are still over 15 minutes to go and Chelsea are coasting, but Robert Sanchez thinks it's a good idea to time-waste.
I mean, it's just silly.
The referee thinks so too and races over to the Chelsea man and thrusts a yellow in his face. Deserved.
20:37, 72'
YELLOW CARD: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Come on lads, give me a break.
More typing to do, and it's all because of a ridiculous challenge from Fluminense's Soteldo.
He swings an arm to fend off Marc Cucurella and clocks him clean in the face.
Of course, he is booked.
20:35, 71'
Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
My word, I can't keep up with this game.
I'm not sweating because of the heat, but just because I am non-stop typing because of all the action.
Vinicius Lima instantly looks to make an impact as he has a pop at goal.
But nope, it's nowhere near.
20:34, 70'
SUBSTITUTION: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Blooming hell, it's substitutions galore.
First, it's Enzo Maresca who makes some switches as Noni Madueke comes on, despite reportedly having agreed on personal terms with Arsenal.
He replaces Pedro Neto, while Reece James comes on for Malo Gusto.
Meanwhile, Vinicius Lima and Canobbio are on for Hercules and Bernal.
20:32, 68'
CHANCE! Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Chelsea are taking the mickey now.
The fans ole as Cole Plamer twists and turns his way around Fluminense, and he does so nonchalantly.
The ball is then shifted to Malo Gusto, who lets fly of a brilliant effort, but it just flies past the post.
So close.
20:31, 67'
SUBSTITUTION: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Another change for Fluminense.
Sotaldo is on for the booked Nonato as they try and find a way back into this match.
Will it work?
20:30, 66'
CHANCE! Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Christopher Nkunku, what are you doing?
Just hit the ball, put your foot through it, son. It's not hard.
The ball is shifted over to the Frenchman on the left-hand side of the area, and he just has to put his laces through the ball.
But he takes an age to pull the trigger and allows Thiago Silva to get back and block his effort.
It should be three.
20:29, 64'
CLOSE! Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Chelsea are having a field day.
Christopher Nkunku is the latest member of the side to come close, as an effort flies off his boot before being deflected wide.
It's almost as if Fluminense are a car in a tight country road, and Chelsea are just a string of cars ploughing through from the other way.
Catch my drift? Maybe not, but basically Chelsea are battering them.
20:25, 60'
SUBSTITUTION: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Joao Pedro, take a bow.
What a way to finish your debut. The Brazilian leaves the pitch to a standing ovation from all four sides of the ground, and boy is it deserved.
Nicolas Jackson comes on to replace him. Tough act to follow, eh?
Also, forgot to say that Nonato has been booked for Fluminense.
20:21, 56'
Goal:Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea (Pedro 56')
By Harry Bamforth
Guess who?
It's that man again, Joao Pedro. What a debut he is having, the stuff of dreams.
Chelsea hit Fluminense on the counter. Enzo Fernandez finds Pedro, who races away, cuts inside, and rattles the ball in off the bar.
Another glorious finish from the Brazilian to inflict more pain on his former employers.
20:21, 55'
CHANCE! Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Oh my word.
What an impact that would have been.
Everaldo finds himself in behind with his very first touch, and the substitute is away.
He cuts inside, cocks his leg, pulls thr tigger, and the ballends up in the gloves of Robert Sanchez.
I thought he was going to score, I really did.
20:20, 54'
SUBSTITUTION: Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Surprise, surprise, Fluminense are making a change.
I mean, they have desperately needed to make one; the Brazilians are being ripped apart here.
Everaldo and Keno are on for Cano and Thiago Santos as they switch things up.
Can they make a difference?
20:18, 53'
CLOSE! Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
It really is just one-way traffic here.
Now Marc Cucurella has a pop, and my word, what a pop it is.
We know that the Spaniard has a goal in him and things open up for him on the edge of the area.
He drills the ball low toward the bottom corner, but it flies just wide of the mark.
Close, but no cigar.
20:15, 50'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Jeeeez, that is some hit.
Moises Caicedo really gets a hold of the ball as he wallops one high into the stands. That's gone miles.
As Alan Partridge would say: 'He has a foot like a traction engine'.
I won't say the naughty word that should start that saying...
20:14, 49'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Poor corner flag.
Pedro Neto almost snaps it in half and has to go back and try and mend it.
It's all OK now, though, the corner flag has made a full recovery. No hospital needed.
20:12, 48'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
The Fluminense still feel flat after that penalty decision.
The drums have started again, but barely anybody is singing along to them, unlike the first 35 minutes of this game. Strange.
Meanwhile, absolute diddly squat is happening out on the pitch in the early moments of this second half.
20:09, 46'
SECOND HALF: Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
'Let's get it started in here.'
Whoever the DJ is in this stadium is nailing the tunes; the Black Eyed Peas track is another banger.
And right on cue, we are indeed getting started in here again.
20:04
Adarabioyo: 'Great finish from Joao'
By Harry Bamforth
Tosin Adarabioyo, Chelsea defender, on DAZN:
Fantastic, great finish from Joao, but we still have 45 minutes to go. Trev [Chalobah] had his arms by his side; it was never a pen.
Watch Fluminense vs Chelsea on DAZN
19:59
Fluminense fans making a racket
By Harry Bamforth
Right, I simply have to show you this vid.
Now, the Fluminense fans might not be a happy bunch as I type this, seeing they are losing, but my word, were they loud before kick-off.
Not just before the game, but until their penalty was chalked off.
Anyway, my colleague Alex Biddle managed to capture a class snippet of the noise they were generating before the game. Just brilliant.
Watch and enjoy.
19:55
WATCH: Pedro opens account in style
By Harry Bamforth
Silly, just so silly.
The fact that Joao Pedro has scored a goal like this on his Chelsea debut is simply ridiculous.
I mean, what a strike. He takes a lovely touch, looks up, and just bends a belter into the corner.
And what a respectful celebration against his former side, too.
19:52
HALF-TIME: Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
What a half of footie.
You may see the scoreline and think, 'it can't have been that good', but you would be wrong, my friend.
The fact that there has only been one goal in this game is just mental, but what a goal it was.
An entertaining 45, and there is still much more to come.
19:50, 47'
CHANCES! Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
How have there not been more goals in this game?
Pedro Neto traces away and you just expect the net to ripple as he roars into the box.
But he dilly-dallies as he gets there and his shot ends up being deflected wide of the post for a corner.
Christopher Nkunku has a free header as the set-piece comes his way, the goal at his mercy, he has to score.
But he squirts his header wide. Big miss.
19:49
FIVE added minutes
By Harry Bamforth
Thank goodness.
I don't want this half of football to end and thankfully we have five more minutes of excitement to come.
Get in there, my son.
19:48, 45'
CHANCE! Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Ohhh, that's a chance.
Hercules just can't stay out of the game and this time the ball is whipped into his feet.
He just needs to get a shot away, and Fluminense are level...
But nope, the ball gets stuck under his feet and he is closed down befor ehe can pull the trigger.
19:44, 41'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
That VAR decision has sapped the life out of this place.
The Fluminense fans and players are not a happy bunch;42 they think they should have had a penalty.
There is then a worried gasp as Guga slips, allowing Pedro Neto to race away into space.
But the ball is then put out for a corner, which comes to nothing.
19:40, 37'
VAR: NO PENALTY!
By Harry Bamforth
That's what I thought.
It takes the ref barely any time at all to realise that he has made the wrong decision.
He watches the incident a couple of times and gallops back onto the pitch to inform the stadium that Trevoh Chalobah's arm was in a 'natural position'.
Chelsea get away with one, although it would have been unfair had they not.
19:38, 36'
VAR CHECKING PENALTY
By Harry Bamforth
Wait a minute.
What did I say, eh? I knew this would be checked; there is no way that Trevoh Chalobah knew the ball was coming his way.
The referee is now going to the monitor.
19:38, 35'
PENALTY TO FLUMINENSE!
By Harry Bamforth
Ohhhhhhhhh!
Fluminense have a penalty, wow. That's so harsh. I can't believe it.
The free-kick hits Trevoh Chalobah on the arm, but he is clearly trying to put it behind his back. It's in a natural position.
The Fluminense players go mental, but surely that should be overturned.
19:37, 34'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Jeez, João Pedro is everywhere.
15 minutes ago, he was finding the back of the net, and now at the other end, he is making important clearances.
The ball is stood up to the back post and Ignacio is coming in to try and equalise with his noggin, but Pedro gets their first to clear.
Moments later, though, he gives away a very, very silly foul.
19:35, 32'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Chelsea just look sharper than Fluminense.
They are winning every second ball, those little battles, and are putting the Brazilians under so much pressure.
You just feel that a second may be on the way.
19:33, 30'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
I really do feel for those players.
The cooling break is now over and I bet every single one of them was gutted they could not have a towel on their neck anymore.
It is boiling at the MetLife, blooming boiling.
19:31, 27'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
And breathe...
This game has been relentless, but now we can relax for a second as the players take a cooling break while Enzo Fernandez receives treatment.
The wet towels are out and all, which says everything.
19:29, 26'
OFF THE LINE! Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
WOW. WOW. WOW.
What a clearance by Marc Cucurella, I have no idea how Fluminense are not level.
Hercules prods the ball past Robert Sanchez, and it's rolling towards the net. You just think it's going in.
But Cucurella comes from nowhere to clear the ball off the line in the nick of time.
Incredible.
19:27, 24'
Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Jeepers creepers, what a pass.
Enzo Fernandez has just pinged one hell of a ball over to Malo Gusto on the right. Trent Alexander-Arnold-esque.
It ends up leaving to nothing, but I simply had to write about it. One hell of a cross-pitch pass.
19:25
'What a finish'
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
Holy moly. What a finish. Thiago Silva's clearance landed at the feet of Joao Pedro and, from 25 yards, he curls the ball beautifully into the corner. There was no celebration out of respect for his former club, and Fluminense's fans applauding him in response.
19:24, 21'
BIG CHANCE! Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
How is it not two??
Chelsea really are purring now and they almost double their lead instantly.
Malo Gusto gets on the end of a brilliant cross and simply has to score, the ball is screaming to be nodded home.
But he powers it straight into the gloves of Fabio...
19:20, 18'
Goal:Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea (Pedro 18')
By Harry Bamforth
IT JUST HAD TO BE HIM!
What a way to announce yourself to the Chelsea fans, Joao Pedro. That is one hell of a strike to open the scoring against your former club.
The Brazilian shows why Chelsea splashed the cash on him by bending home an absolute pearler when the ball breaks to him outside the box.
He then holds his hands up to the Fluminense fans and refuses to celebrate against the club that made him.
I bet inside he is buzzing though, what a debut goal.
19:20, 17'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
We have our first proper effort of the game.
Oh wait, no we don't. Tosin Adarabioyo is flagged offside as he heads wide from a free-kick, never mind.
That just shows what a threat Chelsea are from set-pieces, mind. Fluminense need to be careful.
19:19, 16'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
OK, Christopher Nkunku, I see you.
The Frenchman shows what he is about with a lovely little dance through the Fluminense midfield before being wiped out.
I haven't seen him move like that for a very long time...
19:15, 12'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Chelsea are really starting to ramp up the pressure now.
There is yet to be a shot on target - I mean, it's still early days - but Enzo Fernandez has a pop.
The ball is hit with some venom, but the Fluminense defence manage to get bodies in the way and block the ball.
But my word, the noise levels from the Fluminense fans as the ball was struck were crazy.
They kick every ball.
19:13, 10'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
My word, what a cross that is from Cole Palmer.
The attacker bends the ball low and hard into the path of Joao Pedro, when it doesn't seem like it's on.
But the ball fizzes toward Pedro so fast that he can't quite sort his feet out and Fluminense clear.
What a ball, though.
19:10
'Nkunku on the right'
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
Yep, it's Nkunku on the right and Neto on the left. It's humid here, 35C now, so I'm not sure Chelsea should be doing too much high pressing if they can help it.
19:09, 6'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Ooft, that's not a great tackle.
Enzo Fernandez has just flown into a scissor challenge on Ignacio and almost snapped him in half.
The craziest thing? Doesn't even get a booking. Wild.
19:07, 4'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Oh, hello...
Fluminense have started really brightly here; they have Chelsea on the back foot already.
That said, they are so open for the counter, which will have Chelsea's attackers licking their lips.
Just as I type that, though, Cole Palmer shanks a terrible cross into the gloves of 44-year-old Fabio.
Yep, Thiago Silva isn't even the oldest on the pitch.
19:05, 3'
Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
Thank goodness for the Fluminense fans, eh?
If it wasn't for them, the atmosphere at the MetLife would be dead.
There are so many empty seats about the place, but the noise coming from the Fluminense is making up for it.
They haven't stopped singing in the early moments here, and I love it.
19:02, 1'
KICK-OFF: Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
By Harry Bamforth
What. A. Banger.
Music really is the theme of this blog, and just before kick-off, the song 'Titanium' by David Guetta starts playing. Gosh, it brings back some memories.
And then, guess what? The famous Michael Buffer then takes the mic and shouts 'Let's get ready to rumble'. Wow.
Anyway, both teams then have a huddle, take to their positions, and off we go in the semi-final.
Boy, I'm excited for this one.
18:57
'Baby, you're a firework'
By Harry Bamforth
Oooooh, what a pre-match show.
The fireworks are popping off and fire is being burst into the air - not like it's not hot enough already - and intense music has started playing.
I can't concentrate on it, though... for two reasons.
First of all, I now have Katy Perry's 'Firework' is playing in my head because of the show, which is annoying. Not that it's a bad song, but I didn't need that right now.
Secondly, these pants introductions are underway, and you guys know how much I dislike them. Well, that's if you read my stuff regularly.
It just takes so long. Boring.
18:53
Atmosphere building
By Harry Bamforth
Look at all that face paint. I love it.
It always makes me gutted that I can't wear face paint because I'm allergic to it. Childhood parties sucked for me.
Anyway, the atmosphere inside the MetLife is really starting to ramp up, which has not been said too often in this tournament.
Lots of racket being made by the Fluminense fans, that's for sure.
18:48
Mind games?
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
Chelsea's starting attackers have been conducting a drill with Christopher Nkunku on the right and Pedro Neto on the left, which would be a set-up I haven't seen from them before. Who knows, maybe it's mind games to confuse the opposition's coaches and analysts before kick-off.
18:43
Maresca: 'One more step'
By Harry Bamforth
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, speaking on DAZN:
Very happy to be here, one more step to hopefully reach the final. He [Joao Pedro] can play in different positions, but he is good against a low block; his quality in a small space is very good. Hopefully, he can impress.
Lots of quality, lots of energy at this stage in the season. For sure, it will be a tough game.
Watch Fluminense vs Chelsea on DAZN
18:40
20 minutes to go!
By Harry Bamforth
How excited are we?
Love it or hate it, you should still be a little bit buzzing for this game. I mean, for Chelsea fans, it's huge, so they will be.
Well, either buzzing or bricking it. Maybe both.
The teams are just polishing off their final preparations, and then it will be go time.
I wonder how they are feeling about this heat? Probably not great.
18:35
‘Lads versus dads'
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
This semi-final is going to resemble a ‘lads versus dads' game in the 34C heat of New Jersey.
The average age of Fluminense's line-up is 31 years and 263 days. Chelsea's is 25 years and 120 days.
18:31
Where can you watch the game?
By Harry Bamforth
There is only one place you will want to watch the game tonight.
Our good pals at DAZN are covering all the action in this tournament, it's quite crazy (in a good way).
I'm not there tonight, so that is where I will be watching it.
Want to know the best part? You can sign up and watch the game for free; you don't even need to pay.
Watch Fluminense vs Chelsea on DAZN
18:27
Brazilian bringing the vibes
By Harry Bamforth
Oh, I am so excited.
I love covering games in which Brazilian sides are involved because they just make it so fun.
The Fluminense fans are some of the best around, and here some of them are bringing in their drums.
It's time to get those beats going.
18:22
Maresca: 'We will adapt to heat'
By Harry Bamforth
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, speaking on the heat:
Like other teams, we have already played in different conditions. The game is tomorrow at 3pm and so all we can do is adapt and try to win.
18:17
Feeling hot, hot, hot
By Harry Bamforth
Sing it with me!
'Ole, ole, le, ole, feeling hot, hot hot...'
More music, I know, but I swear it's relevant. The temperatures in New Jersey are blistering today. It could get as hot as 35C today, and boy, is it humid.
Not the kind of conditions you want to play in.
18:12
A familiar face
By Harry Bamforth
'Oh, Thiago Silvaaaaa'.
There is a reason the Brazilian is still loved by Chelsea fans, even though it's been over a year since he left the Bridge.
He plays with his heart on his sleeve to this day, he fights for the badge, and slides into tackles like it's the last time he will ever be on the pitch.
That's what he was like at Chelsea, and it's what he is like at Fluminense. His wife, Isabelle, calls him a 'monster', and she is bang on.
He has inspired Fluminense to the semis, but can he now push them into the final at the expense of his former side. We will see.
I wrote a feature about him and his leadership skills earlier today, and you know, you could be really kind and give it a read. Pretty please.
Read more here:
How Thiago Silva still leads from the front for Fluminense
Here we are, just over a year on, and Silva is preparing to lead the Brazilian side into battle against his former side as they clash in the Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Watch Fluminense vs Chelsea and all the Club World Cup games free on DAZN
18:07
Fluminense Team News - Silva STARTS
By Harry Bamforth
Guess who's back? Back again.
Silva's back, tell your friends.
Never in doubt. Thiago Silva was never going to miss a reunion with his old pals at Chelsea.
At 40, he is still playong at the top level.
18:03
'Pedro an exception'
By Kieran Gill At Metlife Stadium
Enzo Maresca has told us time and again that new players need time; one does not simply throw an Andrey Santos or Mamadou Sarr into the starting line-up after a week or two of working with him.
Joao Pedro is the exception, however. Six days after signing the Brazilian for £55million from Brighton, he's starting here against his former club Fluminense, with Nicolas Jackson benched and Liam Delap suspended.
The conversation on what the future holds for Jackson, who is not untouchable, can wait for another day. First, Chelsea want to win here, with another £22m awaiting them on top of the £60m they have already secured by being in the United States.
18:00
Chelsea Team News - Pedro STARTS
By Harry Bamforth
Well hello, Joao...
Make sure you read that first sentence in the voice of Ainsley Harriott (I really hope you get the reference).
Anyway, we have our answer. Joao Pedro is thrown straight into the mixer by Enzo Maresca and starts his first game for Chelsea, with Liam Delap suspended.
Christopher Nkunku also plays, though, which is interesting. They are very similar players.
17:55
Will Pedro play?
By Harry Bamforth
OK, OK... it's nearly time for team news.
There is one question on everybody's lips: will Joao Pedro be thrown straight into the mix?
The forward made the £60m mega move from Brighton last week and it appears he is already in line to get some action as he has arrived with the squad at the MetLife.
Will he start, though?
17:51
Gaucho: 'We need to believe'
By Harry Bamforth
Renato Gaucho, Fluminense boss, speaking on Monday:
It is a privilege to be coaching this team, and we are here to make history. We need to believe. We are up against powerful opponents with a financial advantage but football is decided on the pitch so we need to keep that in mind.
We had to be really competent to get this far and since the beginning I have told the team this is a huge opportunity for us. We are facing teams who are superior to us and we know if we take our eyes off the ball we will be going home without the title.
I said we were the ugly duckling in financial terms because that is the reality. Fluminense's finances do not make 10 percent of those of the other clubs, but that doesn't mean we can't get to the final or even win the Club World Cup.
17:47
The 'Ugly Ducklings'
By Harry Bamforth
Nobody thought Fluminense would make it here.
Well, I certainly didn't, and I don't suspect those of you reading this did either, did you?
I mean, nobody thought any of the Brazilian sides would make it this far, and you could argue that Fluminense are the worst of the bunch. They nearly got relegated last year.
But here they are, and boy, what a run they have been on.
Inter Milan were the first big side to feel their wrath in the Round of 16. Nobody saw the Champions League finalists losing that one, but once again, we were all proven wrong.
Then came the beating of Al-Hilal, who only a few days earlier made a mockery of Manchester City.
And now Chelsea... can the Brazilians pull off another shock?
17:43
Maresca: 'Every game is difficult'
By Harry Bamforth
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, speaking on Monday:
The first two were very good with lots and lots of energy. Tomorrow no doubt it will be exactly the same.
I think they have a very good and experienced coach. They have lots of good and experienced players, and their style is quite clear. Any game at this stage of the tournament will be difficult.
17:39
Can Chelsea reach final?
By Harry Bamforth
It would be the most Chelsea thing ever to win this competition, don't you think?
I'm not sure what it is about this club, but they always seem to do something crazy when competing for silverware outside of England.
The thing is, they haven't even played that well...
They lost to Flamengo, weren't great against Benfica, and just about squeezed past Palmeiras.
But that's all irrelevant now, they have made it to the semi-finals and they are clearly the favourites to get past Fluminense. I mean, come on, they couldn't have wished for a much easier tie.
Then again, football is a strange game, as Fluminense have already proven this tournament.
Chelsea will need to bring their A-game.
17:35
New York, New York
By Harry Bamforth
'Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.'
Come on, you know how it goes. Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys is an absolute banger, and it's one of the first things that came to my mind when I was preparing for this game.
I'm not sure why - the game is actually being played in New Jersey.
Still, I wanted to get the song in. You know how much I love putting music quotes into my blogs.
Last night, flocks of Fluminense fans took on the Big Apple, and going by these pictures, they had a whale of a time.
Will they be partying like this later?
17:30
All on the line
By Harry Bamforth
Guys, it's getting serious.
After nearly four weeks, countless shocks, weather storms, and drama, there are just three games to go in this Club World Cup tournament.
We have our final four, and over the next couple of days, it will be whittled down to two. Exciting, right?
First up, we have London Blue... sorry, I mean Chelsea. I've been playing too much PES recently. Nostalgic, I know.
They are back against the Brazilians again as they take on Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium for a spot in the finale against either Real Madrid or PSG.
It's gonna be loud, crazy, and chaotic in New Jersey, but most of all, we are all going to have a blast.
Let's get this party started!
Key Updates
FULL-TIME: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea
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Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea (Pedro 56')
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SECOND HALF: Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
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HALF-TIME: Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea
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VAR: NO PENALTY!
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Fluminense 0-1 Chelsea (Pedro 18')
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KICK-OFF: Fluminense 0-0 Chelsea
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Where can you watch the game?
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Fluminense Team News - Silva STARTS
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Chelsea Team News - Pedro STARTS
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All on the line
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