The semi-final match between Chelsea and Fluminense at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place at 02:00 on July 9 (Vietnam time).
Before the match, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca affirmed that the opportunities for the two teams were equal. The coach said: "I don't think Chelsea are candidates.
At this time, there are no candidates. The clubs here are all worthy, have strengths and will do everything to reach the final".
Maresca has repeatedly complained about the hot weather and the schedule affecting the players' fitness since the start of the tournament. The Chelsea captain said he respected the tournament but wanted the organizers to improve the structure.
"It's not that we don't take this tournament seriously, but that the teams have come in two completely different situations and realities. How many matches have Brazilian clubs played in the current season? We have played 63 matches," Maresca said.
However, when a Brazilian reporter replied that Fluminense had played 70 games in the same period, more than Chelsea, coach Maresca expressed surprise and paused for a moment.
Evaluating the opponent, Enzo Maresca was cautious: "Fluminense played very well. They have top-quality players, including defenders. Therefore, this will be a difficult match".
On the other side, Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho shared: "We have great respect for Chelsea, but this is a game of chess. It will definitely be a tense match with very few chances. The team that takes advantage of the details will win.
Ball control will be very important, especially at 3:00 p.m. when the ball begins to roll. At that time, the weather will be unbearable hot. If you have to chase after your opponent and can't control the ball, you will exhaust yourself."
Fluminense is the only team from Brazil and South America to make it to the semi-finals, along with three European representatives.
The winner of the Fluminense match against Chelsea will enter the final to meet the winner of the PSG - Real match.
