Chelsea and Fluminense advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals on Friday with narrow quarterfinal wins over Palmeiras and Al Hilal, respectively, reported Xinhua.
In Philadelphia, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton netted a late own goal as Chelsea edged the Brazilian side 2-1.
Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead with a 16th-minute strike before teenager Estevao, who is set to join the Premier League club later this month, equalized from an acute angle shortly after halftime.
The decisive moment came seven minutes from time when a deflection off Weverton sent the ball into his own net as Chelsea set up a clash with Fluminense next Tuesday for a place in the final.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised Estevao, whom the club signed last year in an advanced deal reportedly worth an initial 37 million U.S. dollars plus performance-related add-ons.
"Happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night," Maresca said.
"He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world you need to adapt. We are going to help him to adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea."
Estevao fought back tears as he reflected on his last match for Palmeiras.
"My heart is broken because we know how hard we work to give our all on the field," he said. "I'm very proud to be part of this team. I thank Palmeiras and I'm very grateful to the Palmeiras fans. They will always be in my heart."
In Orlando, midfielder Hercules struck a second-half winner as Fluminense overcame Al Hilal 2-1 in their quarterfinal.
Martinelli gave Fluminense the lead with a rising effort into the far corner, spinning away from his marker following Gabriel Fuentes' cross.
The Saudi Pro League club equalized when Kalidou Koulibaly's header landed at the feet of Marcos Leonardo, who took a touch before firing home from point-blank range.
Hercules restored Fluminense's advantage as he ran onto Samuel Xavier's headed pass and lashed a low 12-yard shot past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
"We played a great match, especially considering the strength of our opponents," Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho said.
"They [Al Hilal] got to this stage on merit. Not many teams can beat Manchester City by scoring four goals against them. But I've always trusted my team and I told them that this match would be decided on the pitch."
The former Brazil international forward dedicated the result to the Rio de Janeiro club's fans.
"This victory belongs to our fans and to my team. I hope that Fluminense supporters are wearing the club's shirt with pride for what we have achieved here. We hope there is more to come."
Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi said he could not fault his players' commitment on the day and throughout the tournament.
"I really want to congratulate my squad for the way that they played, they poured their hearts out on the pitch today," he said. "And of course we are sorry but we need to be proud."
- FIFA Club WC
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
