The quarter-finals of the Club World Cup have finally come to an end, with some great matches and an excellent grouping that will guarantee even more excitement. The games were played in packed stadiums in the United States and left the favorite teams with a 75% chance of winning the FIFA competition, with only one Brazilian remaining.
Fluminesne vs. Chelsea
The first semi-final will be played between Fluminense and Chelsea. The Brazilians were very successful against Al-Hilal, sticking to the reactive 3-5-2 formation used against Inter Milan to accelerate on the counter-attacks, and were extremely effective in their strategy. Demonstrating an enviable ability to adapt, experienced coach Renato Portaluppi, one of the greatest winners in the history of Brazilian soccer, has made his mark on the world and could threaten the Blues.
Besides that, Chelsea are undeniably the big favorites to advance to the final, with the return of Nicolás Caicedo in control of the midfield in a match that will have the presence of Thiago Silva on the other side as its main adversity. Enzo Maresca found a good starting line-up and Joao Pedro made a fine debut, along with great performances from Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.
- This match will take place on Tuesday, July 8, at 3:00 p.m. (ET) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- USA Broadcast: TNT, DAZN, Univision
- UK Broadcast: Channel 5, DAZN
PSG vs. Real Madrid
However, everyone will surely agree that the derby between PSG and Real Madrid will be a sort of "early final" of the Club World Cup, making FIFA very happy with this duel. The French side progressed against Bayern Munich with a 2-0 win, scoring the winning goal with two players down in injury time in a game that will be remembered for a long time.
On the other side, Real Madrid advanced against a resilient Borussia Dortmund side who fought to the end with a 3-2 scoreline. After opening up a two-goal lead and controlling the game until extra time, Xabi Alonso's side saw goalkeeper Courtois need a flawless and historic save in the right corner to prevent an unlikely extra-time.
- This match will take place on Wednesday, July 9, at 3:00 p.m. (ET) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- USA Broadcast: TNT, DAZN, Univision
- UK Broadcast: Channel 5, DAZN