Enzo Maresca's side were given a scare, but relied on their main man to secure a semifinal berth
Cole Palmer scored a memorable goal and Chelsea got a fortunate late winner to carry the London club into the semi-finals of the Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras. The English side got on the board first but were given a scare by a moment of magic by Esteavo – before capitalizing on their second half possession to secure a spot in the semis.
Palmer opened the scoring with a classy piece of individual play. The English attacking midfielder rolled his man, found half a yard of space, and slotted home after 16 minutes. But Palmeiras enjoyed their moments, too. Estevao – who will join Chelsea after the tournament – caused problems on the right. He was instrumental in setting up their best chance of the first half, with left-back Vanderlan putting a free header into the arms of Robert Sanchez.
Estevao had his say after 53 minutes, though, and showed in a brief flash why Chelsea are so eager to bring him in. The 18-year-old beat his man before lashing near post from an impossible angle and careening away in celebration. The Blues' winner was a fortunate thing. They worked the ball down the left to Malo Gusto, whose mishit cross deflected into the back of the net.
And Chelsea made it relatively easy after that. Palmeiras offered little on the break, while Enzo Maresca's side largely controlled play, cruising into the semifinals – albeit with a stroke of luck. Another Brazilian side, Fluminense, are next – and you'd back the Blues to grind out a result there, too.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Lincoln Financial Field…
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Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Will be slightly disappointed to be beaten at his near post, and didn't look too certain in his distribution.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Got forward with regularity and put in a few good deliveries. Pushed back a bit more in the second half. Fortunate to have a role in Chelsea's second.
Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):
Won his headers, covered spaces, grabbed an assist. A really good showing at the back.
Levi Colwill (7/10):
Handled the dangerous Vitor Roque effectively, moved the ball well, could do nothing about the goal. A captain's performance.
Marc Cucurella (6/10):
Seemed intent on kicking everything that moved. Got as much as he gave against Estevao.
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Andrey Santos (7/10):
Brought into the XI after Reece James picked up an injury in the warmup. Made countless tackles and resisted the Palmeiras press.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Connected play effectively, was always up for the scrap, won his tackles.
Christian Nkunku (5/10):
Got a start at his preferred position, and didn't do loads with it. Could be his last game in a Chelsea shirt.
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Cole Palmer (8/10):
Scored a sublime goal, and found all sorts of clever angles. Quieter in the second half but was still effective throughout.
Liam Delap (5/10):
Threw himself around a lot, got booked, subbed before the hour mark. Not his most convincing outing so far.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Took on his man with regularity. Did everything but provide the final ball.
GettySubs & Manager
Joao Pedro (6/10):
The new signing, on for his debut. Stretched play and offered some attacking ideas, but never got a clean look.
Noni Madueke (6/10):
Dribbled at his opposite number. Could have won a penalty.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Will be annoyed by James' injury in the warmup, but his team were otherwise in control and survived some second half worries. Job done. Semis secured.
