Fluminense Clash with Chelsea: Three Decisive Duels That Will Shape Club World Cup Semifinal
Renato Gaúcho humbly described his Fluminense squad as the "underdog" among the Club World Cup semifinalists, acknowledging that their limited budget pales in comparison to their wealthy rivals in the competition.
"When we step onto the field, it's an equal contest of 11 versus 11," Gaúcho declared. "While our opponents desire victory, our hunger for success burns even brighter." The semifinals beckon following their 2–1 triumph against Al Hilal.
Fluminense have dramatically surpassed all predictions during their American campaign this summer, positioning themselves just one step away from their second Club World Cup final appearance. Standing between them and glory is Chelsea, whose annual salary expenditure dwarfs the Brazilian club's by nearly tenfold.
Solid defensive organization, determination, and clinical finishing have enabled Flu to overcome the massive financial disparity on American soil, and they must execute this winning formula once more on Tuesday.
Here are three pivotal matchups that may determine the outcome of the forthcoming Club World Cup semifinal.
1. Thiago Silva vs. The World
While Thiago Silva hasn't single-handedly orchestrated Fluminense's defensive excellence, his contribution has been immense.
The Brazilian Serie A representatives enter the semifinals having allowed the second-lowest expected goals per 90 minutes (0.75) and the smallest xG per shot, based on Opta statistics. Their ability to absorb pressure has been remarkable, typically deploying a tight 5-3-2 formation that restricts central areas for opposing teams. When adversaries manage to penetrate Fluminense's midfield barrier, the ageless Silva has consistently neutralized emerging dangers.
Silva serves as the field commander who has experienced everything the game offers. He possesses valuable insider knowledge of this Chelsea squad, having only left Stamford Bridge in 2024. However, the Brazilian never collaborated with Maresca during his tenure.
The 40-year-old veteran has been exceptional and will play a vital role in frustrating the Blues on Tuesday—not merely through spectacular defensive interventions, but through his organizational skills and leadership qualities. With Juan Pablo Freytes absent due to suspension, Silva's responsibilities have intensified.
Chelsea possess abundant attacking talent but will be without the suspended Liam Delap. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether Silva and his teammates will face the physical challenge of Jackson or newcomer João Pedro, who operates differently from a traditional striker.
Flu's defensive solidity has been their trademark this summer, recording three shutouts and trailing only once. A tight contest favors their approach, though Chelsea have been prolific scorers in America. This appears to be a match where the opening goal will prove decisive.
2. Jhon Arias vs. Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella ranks among Maresca's most reliable players. The Spanish defender was a consistent starter in the Italian manager's Premier League lineup last season and has accumulated the highest minutes among Chelsea's squad at the Club World Cup.
He's undoubtedly a capable left-back, and the manager's tactical deployment has transformed the Spaniard into a genuine scoring threat through his late runs into the penalty area. Nevertheless, opponents have capitalized on his aggressive approach in individual duels. While Cucurella can neutralize world-class attackers, his occasionally flawed defensive technique creates vulnerabilities.
Flamengo, for instance, found considerable success down Chelsea's left flank during their second-half dominance in the group phase, exploiting Cucurella's tendency to abandon his position through clever passing combinations.
Fluminense are unlikely to overwhelm Cucurella through overlapping runs from veteran wing-back Samuel Xavier, but Jhon Arias will relish his individual battles. Although the Colombian has functioned in Gaúcho's front pairing during the knockout rounds, he frequently drifts to the right wing.
Arias has been superb this summer despite modest goal and assist statistics. He drives their transitional play and possesses the ability to create magical moments. Against Cucurella, he'll not only back himself in one-on-one situations but can provide his team relief by earning free kicks. The Chelsea defender has committed three or more fouls in three of his last four appearances, while Arias has been fouled at least twice in four of his five tournament matches.
Set-piece situations could prove pivotal in Tuesday's semifinal encounter.
3. Set-pieces
Both teams have netted multiple set-piece goals during this summer's competition, and Tuesday's semifinal promises to be a tactical battle that could hinge on crucial moments.
Fluminense will likely concede possession and seek to exploit Chelsea through quick counterattacks. Their transitional prowess was evident on opening day against Borussia Dortmund, while their second goal versus Inter in the round of 16 came after winning possession in the Italian side's half.
Arias represents their key weapon for advancing upfield against a Blues team determined to dominate proceedings by keeping play in Fluminense's defensive third. Corner kicks could provide scoring opportunities for Chelsea given their expected territorial advantage, but as mentioned earlier, Flu might utilize Arias against Cucurella to win free kicks. The Colombian scored brilliantly from a set piece against Ulsan HD.
They've lost a primary set-piece weapon in Freytes, but this could be Silva's moment to shine. Chelsea have conceded twice from dead balls in the tournament, while Flu were breached by Al Hilal in the previous round.
The Blues, who hope to have Reece James available on Tuesday, scored the joint-sixth most set-piece goals in last season's Premier League while allowing the joint-ninth fewest (10 in 38 matches). Maresca's team may not be particularly susceptible to such situations, but the David versus Goliath nature of this semifinal will surely make set pieces a focal point for Flu at MetLife.