EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Six weeks faraway from their first UEFA Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain have been the indeniable greatest crew on the FIFA Membership World Cup.
Chelsea are a extra acquainted sight on the worldwide stage, they usually’ve had a powerful event themselves, however they would be the underdogs after they go toe to toe with PSG within the Membership World Cup closing on Sunday.
Using excessive off their 5-0 Champions League closing victory over Inter Milan, which accomplished a continental treble, PSG have torn by the Membership World Cup with 16 targets scored and just one conceded. Their knockout-stage victories over Inter Miami, Bayern Munich and Actual Madrid got here by a mixed 10-0.
“For certain, they’re the highest crew in Europe, on this planet, most likely on this second one of the best crew on this planet,” Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca stated within the pre-match press convention. “However I believe that each sport is completely different, each sport could be completely different and we will attempt our greatest to do an excellent sport.”
PSG have performed an amazing possession sport through the event and lead all groups in turnovers compelled (272). Defender Achraf Hakimi has compelled a CWC-high 44, and the Parisians have been fast to transform Actual Madrid giveaways into three targets within the first 24 minutes of Wednesday’s semifinal.
If there’s any crew that may keep affected person within the face of that type of play, it could be Chelsea, led by the midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Fernandez leads all gamers within the Membership World Cup with three assists, and he is helped coordinate a balanced assault by which 10 completely different gamers have scored not less than one purpose.
“They’re up there with one of the best midfielders on this planet. I believe that will likely be clear on Sunday,” Chelsea captain Reece James stated of his teammates.
Caicedo is lower than one hundred pc wholesome and Maresca hopes he can play Sunday, as he took half in coaching however not totally.
Chelsea, who gained this event in 2021, made it to the ultimate by defeating Benfica 4-1, Palmeiras 2-1 and Fluminense 2-0. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised Maresca and Chelsea’s enjoying type at his pre-match press convention.
“That is elite competitors and in case you assume this sport is simply going to be a stroll within the park, that is since you do not actually know what Chelsea are about,” Enrique stated. “They only gained the Convention League, they’re rising, they’ve actually good gamers, and Mr. Maresca is doing such an incredible job.”
Fabian Ruiz (three), Ousmane Dembele (two), Joao Neves (two) and Hakimi (two) have guided PSG on the scoring entrance.
–Adam Zielonka, Subject Stage Media