🔹 The Match Result
Chelsea 2–1 Palmeiras ⚽
Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead in the 16th minute.
Estêvão Willian equalized for Palmeiras in the 53rd minute.
A deflected Malo Gusto cross resulted in an own goal by Agustín Giay in the 83rd minute, sending Chelsea through.
🏟️ The Scene: Independence Day in Philadelphia
Despite it being the July 4 holiday, Lincoln Financial Field was buzzing. Around 65,782 spectators turned out, drawn by fireworks, citywide festivals, and this high-stakes clash. FIFA even dropped ticket prices to $11.15 in a bid to pack the stadium .
🔥 First-Half Flow: Chelsea’s Early Control
Chelsea started strong. In the 16th minute:
Trevoh Chalobah slipped a clever pass to Cole Palmer, who danced past three defenders before scoring from outside the box an early sign of what was to come .
Palmeiras, missing several defenders, struggled to find rhythm. Chelsea had 62.7% possession, piling on 19 shots to Palmeiras' seven .
🛡️ Second Half Surge: Estêvão’s Moment
Post interval, Palmeiras pushed back. The spark came in the 53rd minute:
Estêvão Willian, set to join Chelsea this summer, curled in a stunning 18-year-old strike from a tight angle .
The goal highlighted Palmeiras' fight and Estêvão's growing star power.
🎯 Decisive Twist: Gusto’s Deflected Cross
With extra time looming, Chelsea struck again:
In the 83rd minute, Malo Gusto floated a cross hoping to find a teammate—but it deflected off Giay and goalkeeper Weverton, looping into the net—credit given as an own goal .
That moment sealed the match and ignited wild celebrations among the Chelsea faithful.
💬 Post-Match Thoughts
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager:
*“First half we played better, controlled it. They scored, match shifted. But we deserved to win.”*
Cole Palmer:
*“Good to be the last English team standing… there was a lot of fans tonight.”*
Estêvão Willian:
Named man of the match, he held back tears saying he’ll “never forget” Palmeiras or its fans .
🧩 Key Stats Summary
Category Chelsea Palmeiras
Possession 62.7% /37.3%
Total Shots 19 /7
Shots on Target 6 /2
Saves (Weverton) 5 /0
Corners 10 /3
Goals 2/ 1
🌟 Standout Performers
Cole Palmer – Cool early goal, continuous threat.
Estêvão Willian – Exceptional debut goal; a future star hinted.
Malo Gusto – Unlucky assist via deflection but vital in winning.
Andrey Santos – Solid in midfield, stepping in for suspended starters.
🔍 What This Win Means
Chelsea advances to face Fluminense in the semis in a Brazil vs Europe battle set for July 8 in New Jersey .
Despite missing big names like Caicedo, Lavia, and James, and losing Delap/Colwill to yellow-card suspensions, they showed depth and resilience .
The late own goal was a slice of luck but also a testament to persistence under pressure.
🧠 Tactical Analysis
Chelsea Setup:
Dominated possession with a clear structure under Maresca.
Creativity split wide: Palmer central, Gusto down the flank.
Despite missing top scorers, controlled tempo and territory.
Palmeiras Approach:
Strong fightback, especially in the second half with Estêvão’s brilliance.
Lack of defensive depth cost them in crucial moments.
Goalscorer needed more support from midfield recovery.
🌍 Wider Impact
For Estêvão, this felt like a farewell and a welcome showcasing his talent before heading to Chelsea .
For Chelsea, it’s a chance at silverware and a financial boost an important morale lift amid FFP scrutiny .
For the tournament, this quarter-final displayed how unpredictable and thrilling the restructured Club World Cup has become.
⏭️ Looking Ahead: Fluminense vs Chelsea
Date: Tuesday, July 8
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Storyline: Another Brazil vs England showdown. Fluminense, fresh off beating Al Hilal 2–1, will be a tough test .
Can Chelsea repeat a continental triumph against Brazilian opposition, like they did in 2021? Time will tell.
🗣️ Over to You
Let me know your thoughts:
Is Palmer now Chelsea’s emerging star?
Will Estêvão shine on the biggest stage next?
Can Chelsea conquer again—or is another shock brewing?
👇 Drop your predictions and comments below!
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