Fluminense coach Renato Portaluppi is confident of his team’s chances of progressing to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup when they come up against ‘financially sound’ Chelsea in the semi-final.
The coveted tournament which started with 32 teams has reached the last four with the first of the two semi – finals being played today between the Brazilians and the Blues.
Speaking in the pre-match conference yesterday, Portaluppi said he is aware of the task that lies ahead more so that they are facing an expensively assembled Chelsea side.
“We need to believe [that we can reach the final] we are up against powerful opponents with a financial advantage but football is decided on the pitch so we need to keep that in mind,” Portaluppi said.
Fluminense have already posted some interesting results at the event. In the round of 16, they put UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan to the sword before seeing off Al – Hilal in the quarterfinals.
Chelsea trainer Enzo Maresca is aware of the danger that the Brazillians pose.
“At this point, the teams that have come here, it is because they deserve it, because they have something good and they have to do everything to try to win and get to the final,” he said.
Winner of this tie will face the winner of the blockbuster match between Real Madrid and Champions League winners PSG.
