Tue Jul 08 20:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The text reports on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting Fluminense’s surprising success. The Brazilian team, led by veteran defender Thiago Silva (formerly of Chelsea), has reached the semi-finals, overcoming Inter Milan and Al Hilal along the way. Silva’s experience and leadership are key to Fluminense’s performance. They are the only non-European team left in the competition. They will face Chelsea in the semi-finals, a team Silva previously played for. The article also discusses Chelsea’s progress, their young squad, and their respect for Fluminense.
**News Article:**
**Fluminense, Silva Set for Club World Cup Showdown Against Former Club Chelsea**
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Fluminense, spearheaded by the ageless Thiago Silva, is set to clash with Chelsea in a highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium. The Brazilian side, defying expectations, has emerged as the sole non-European team in the final four, sparking excitement and representing South American pride.
Fluminense secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Round of 16 and followed it up with a 2-1 win against Al Hilal in the quarter-finals. The 40-year-old Silva, who will be 41 in two months, a former Chelsea player is leading the team in inspiring fashion.
“It will be special if I can eliminate Chelsea, with all the affection I have for them,” Silva stated. “But when we face each other, there is not much you can do, you have to think about us.”
Chelsea, the reigning Conference League champions, defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarter-finals and are looking to add another trophy to their collection. The London club, boasting a young and talented squad featuring Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer, are wary of the threat posed by Fluminense’s experience and tactical organization.
“They are a very determined team and have Thiago Silva. He is a legend of football, an elite player,” said Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella.
Fluminense will be missing key players Juan Pablo Freytes and Matheus Martinelli due to suspension. But manager Renato Gaúcho remains confident in his team’s ability to compete.
“We came here to make history,” said Gaúcho. “We will always respect our rivals; they are powerful, financially they are much better than us. But football is decided on the field.”
The winner will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.