Palmeiras admits to being an underdog and revisits Chelsea 3 years later, ready to get revenge

PHILADELPHIA - THE July 4th is not only important for Americans. This July 4th, specifically, is quite decisive for Palmeiras . On the day that the United States celebrates 249 years of its independence, the green and white team plays in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, one of the most important games in its history.

At Lincoln Financial Field, Palmeiras will face Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup . The ball will roll at 10 pm (Brasília time) for the duel that pits Brazilians against Englishmen three and a half years after the 2021 Intercontinental Cup final - played in February 2022.

"We're going to do our best, focus, because on the other side there's a great team, good players. We have a dream and we're going to fight for that dream. Keep our eyes open and fight to the fullest."

As he said three years ago, Abel stated that Palmeiras is an underdog against the English, despite the fact that the São Paulo club, for him, functions like a European club.

The clash will pit Estêvão's current and future teams against each other, who could be making his farewell to Palmeiras, having been sold to Chelsea. "Everyone knew that this clash could happen. He will do what he has always done, which is his job," Abel summed up. "There are commitments he has to fulfil. After that, he will be free to go to his new club."

The challenge, which was already huge, increased for Palmeiras as soon as they lost three of their four starting defensive linemen. Murilo is injured and Gustavo Gómez and Piquerez are suspended. Micael, Naves and Benedetti are competing for a spot to see who will be Bruno Fuchs' partner. The former is the favorite. On the wing, Piquerez's only backup is Vanderlan. But there is a possibility that Abel will set up the team with three defenders and improvise, although the coach has indicated that he will keep the team with a line of four.

"Our captain has been Gómez, it's an opportunity for Fuchs and Micael to show their leadership. It's an opportunity for us as a team to take charge, to show ourselves. In the absence of one, another stands up, shows himself, imposes himself and leads," highlighted the Portuguese.

The most "annoying" team in the World Cup for FIFA, which has been irritated by the excessive complaints during the competition, about the heat and the protocol for stopping matches, Chelsea has toned down its discourse. All the players said they were not on vacation, but rather traveling in the United States.

Chelsea will be without Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo , one of the team's standout players. He is suspended. Portuguese striker Pedro Neto, who was a friend of Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident on Thursday, may also be absent because he is shaken by his friend's death. Neto began his professional career at Braga under Abel Ferreira.

"It's very sad, probably more than sad. We are close to him and supporting him at this moment. The decision is completely Pedro's (if he wants to play against Palmeiras) . I spoke to him. We support whatever decision he makes," commented coach Enzo Maresca.

For midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall , the English team needs to be aware of the main qualities of the São Paulo team. "Nobody here is ignoring Palmeiras and we have seen very strong South American teams in this tournament," he warned.

Brazilian João Pedro was signed this week, is already in the United States and will be an option on the bench for coach Enzo Maresca.

Whoever advances to the semifinals will pocket an additional US$21 million and will face Fluminense or Al-Hilal, who will also face each other this Friday, but earlier.

PALM TREES X CHELSEA

• PALMEIRAS : Weverton; Giay, Bruno Fuchs, Micael and Vanderlan; Aníbal Moreno, Richard Rios and Estevão; Mauricio, Allan and Vitor Roque. Coach : Abel Ferreira.
• CHELSEA : Sanchez; Reece James, Colwill and Adarabioyo; Enzo Fernandez, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall and Cucurella; Pedro Neto (Nkunku), Delap and Cole Palmer. Manager : Enzo Maresca.
• REFEREE : Alireza Faghani (Australia).
• TIME : 10pm (Brasília time).
• LOCATION : Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, United States.
• TV : Globo, SporTV, CazéTV and DAZN.