There will be no all-Brazilian semifinal at the Club World Cup in the United States, as luck turned its back on Palmeiras. They weren’t the better team, they didn’t show more, but they could have made it to extra time – they really could have. They were just minutes away, they wore Chelsea down, were like a pebble in their shoe or a bone stuck in their throat, but the ball ricocheted at the worst possible moment – 2:1 (1:0).UP THE CHELS!!! 🔵✊ pic.twitter.com/L1PwOYBSBb— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 5, 2025 Chelsea will now face the tournament’s biggest surprise, Fluminense, but to get there, they had to work hard. At times they were sweating bullets, while at the same time, the club’s sporting department felt proud, as life was made difficult for them by Estevao – the very player they had already signed and who will officially join them next week. Chelsea got a glimpse of what they bought and claimed what was theirs. They grabbed a spot in the Club World Cup semifinal, even though Estevao was creating chaos and tormenting the players Enzo Maresca sent onto the pitch. Apart from what the recently turned 18-year-old did, Palmeiras did little of value.They only hit the target twice, created a few half-chances, but Chelsea’s defenders were always half a step or a full step ahead of Vitor Roque and the rest of the attack. Only Estevao managed to slip through, while Chelsea kept firing from all angles – 19 shots in total! And for much of the match, they completely controlled possession.Estevao is the best Brazilian talent since Neymar pic.twitter.com/ruAKiAatqm— Janty (@CFC_Janty) July 5, 2025 But despite all those chances, they found themselves in a position where they were worried, anxious, and fearing extra time…This wasn’t the same Chelsea we saw in the Conference League final, where they just needed to kick-start the engine to execute their plans. They took an early lead when Cole Palmer used his first touch to create space, got rid of his marker, pushed the ball forward, and slotted a precise low shot past Weverton. He celebrated in his trademark style – “Cold Palmer”! But after missing several chances, the London club started to freeze.⚽️ COLE PALMER STRIKES!Composure. Class. @ChelseaFC take the lead! 🔵🔥 pic.twitter.com/jIbchs9Mf2— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025 Estevao kept giving them trouble, frustrating the fiery Enzo Fernandez, who out of desperation kicked him in the shin. The teenager responded, but in a different way – by launching a rocket under the crossbar early in the second half.FROM A NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE ANGLE!ESTÊVÃO scores a massive goal, first one in the tournament and against the club he’s joining!@Palmeiras 1 – @ChelseaFC 1 pic.twitter.com/CQpkWky1K0— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025 A boyish smile lit up his face, and Palmeiras held hope for about 30 minutes, but in the end, luck abandoned them. Malo Gusto sent in a cross after a short corner routine, the ball deflected off Bruno Fuchs, then bounced off goalkeeper Weverton and into the net.Gusto restores the @ChelseaFC lead!Going down as an Weverton Own Goal due to a deflection on the back line. pic.twitter.com/gKpM6jjXCU— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025 Chelsea could breathe a sigh of relief after ten more minutes. Their players were in good spirits, approaching Estevao. Cole Palmer tried chatting with him in English, but it was no use – Estevao didn’t understand much. They shared a hug at the end of the match, in which Andrey Santos dominated in midfield.Estevao chopping it up with his future Chelsea teammates after scoring against them and receiving the MOTM award 🥹Chelsea are adding a special one 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/elSZFQESph— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 5, 2025 The Brazilian midfielder won 9 of 12 duels, made three ball recoveries, completed six passes into the final third, and showed Enzo Maresca that he’ll be someone he can absolutely count on.The Brazilians might turn out to be his key trump cards…FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 20251/4 finalsFridayFluminense – Al Hilal 2-1 (1-0)/Martinelli 40, Hercules 70 – Leonardo 51/SaturdayPalmerias – Chelsea 1-2 (0-1)/Estevao 53 – Palmer 16, Giay 83 (og)/19:00: (2.20) PSG (3.80) Bayern (3.00)23:00: (1.65) Real Madrid (4.30) Dortmund (4.80)***odds are subject to change***
