Joao Pedro's stellar performance in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense has drawn widespread praise from pundits, solidifying Chelsea's place in the final. The Brazilian forward, making his first start for the Blues, scored twice in the 2-0 victory, showcasing his talent and justifying his recent transfer from Brighton.

Just six days after signing with Chelsea, the 23-year-old Pedro made an immediate impact against his former club, Fluminense. In the 18th minute, he opened the scoring with a composed, curling shot from the left side of the box. He refrained from excessive celebration out of respect for the club where he began his career. In the 56th minute, Pedro struck again, hammering a powerful shot off the crossbar to extend Chelsea's lead. His brace effectively sealed the victory for Chelsea in front of a packed crowd at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Gareth Bale, commentating on DAZN, lauded Pedro's "link-up play" and "passing and movement," highlighting his overall contribution to the team. Several sources noted that Pedro was named "Superior Player of the Match". His performance was not only decisive but also demonstrated his adaptability and skill, quickly endearing him to Chelsea fans.

Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, also praised Pedro's sharpness despite the player having been on holiday in Brazil just before joining the team. Maresca's tactical decisions were spot on, with Pedro leading the attack effectively. Cole Palmer played a key role in setting up the first goal, dribbling past three players before passing to Enzo Fernandez, who then assisted Pedro.

Beyond Pedro's individual brilliance, the victory underscored Chelsea's dominance and ambition in the Club World Cup. The team's performance was their best in the competition, boosting confidence as they head into the final. Chelsea's journey to the final saw them overcome Brazilian opposition twice, first defeating Palmeiras in the quarter-finals and then Fluminense in the semi-final. They await the winner of the Real Madrid versus Paris Saint-Germain match in the final.

The game wasn't without its tense moments. Fluminense had opportunities, including a penalty decision that was overturned after VAR review and a goal-line clearance by Marc Cucurella. However, Chelsea's defense held firm, and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made crucial saves. Moises Caicedo's late-game injury was a potential concern for Chelsea.

Joao Pedro's rapid integration into Chelsea and his match-winning performance have made headlines, with many highlighting the significance of his goals against his boyhood club. His two goals not only secured a place in the Club World Cup final but also earned Chelsea a guaranteed prize of approximately €92 million, with the potential to win over €105 million.