The renovated Club World Cup seeks its semifinalists With the beginning of the quarterfinals, That will be played this Friday, July 4, coinciding with the celebrations of the United States Independence Day.
Eight teams are still alive in the tournament: two Brazilians, an Arab representative and five Europeans, All with the aim of advancing and ensuring their presence in the grand final, scheduled for July 13.
After a round of 16 phase full of surprises –with favorite teams that were eliminated and others without many expectations that advanced with authority– The Club World Cup has proven to be a high demand tournament. It is no longer a friendly tournament: clubs face it with seriousness and commitment.
This Friday four clubs They will jump to the pitch with the intact illusion of continuing in the race for the title.
Fluminense vs. Al Hilal: unexpected duel for a pass to the semifinals
After breaking the forecasts in the round of 16, Fluminense and to Hilal They will face the Camping World in Orlando, Florida, at 1:00 p.m. (Guatemala time), for the first ticket to the semifinals.
The duel between Brazilians and Saudi guarantees that there will be a non -European representative Among the four best in the tournament.
Fluminense surprised on Monday by beating Inter Milan 2-0, runner-up of the Champions League, while the Hilal exceeded what the Cariocas was done by eliminating Manchester City with a 4-3 in a vibrant extension.
“For us it is no surprise what we have achieved, We arrived at a strong moment and we have been making a World Cup worthy of what Fluminense is, ”said Jhon Arias in an interview with the AFP.
Palmeiras vs. Chelsea: a new challenge in front of a European giant
Later, at 7:00 p.m. (Guatemala time), Palmeiras will be measured against Chelsea In the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, House of the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL.
The Brazilian team reaches this commitment After eliminating the Botafogo In the round of 16 with a goal from Paulinho in the extension. However, it faces the clash with important defensive casualties: Murilo is injured, while Gustavo Gómez and Joaquín Piquerez are suspended.
On the other side, Chelsea part of a favorite after a dramatic victory against Benfica in the eighth. The game stopped at minute 85 for a storm with 0-1 score for the English. After more than two hours of interruption, the game resumed and ended in an extra time with a 1-4 in favor of the “blues”, after an agonized draw of the Portuguese in the 95th minute.
The 2025 Club World Cup promises intense emotions in this quarterfinal phase, With high -level teams looking to make history and conquer the most prestigious title of club football internationally.