Chelsea is gearing up for a compelling Club World Cup semi-final clash against Fluminense, a match that holds extra significance due to the reunion with former Blues defender, Thiago Silva. The Premier League side progressed to the semi-final after a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Fluminense, who entered the tournament as underdogs, have proven their mettle by defeating Inter Milan and Al Hilal to secure their spot in the semi-final.

The upcoming match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8th, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For Chelsea, this game presents an opportunity to advance to the final and potentially add another trophy to their cabinet. For many of Chelsea's younger players, this match will be their first experience facing the legendary Thiago Silva.

Thiago Silva, now 40 years old, remains a key figure for Fluminense, providing a sturdy defensive foundation. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in the Brazilian side's impressive run in the Club World Cup. Before the game, Silva and Chelsea's Marc Cucurella exchanged texts looking forward to the reunion. Silva spent four years at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2021.

Chelsea's journey to the semi-final has been financially rewarding as well. Their quarter-final win against Palmeiras earned them an additional £15.5 million, bringing their total earnings from the tournament to over £61 million. The team has also seen new talent emerge, with Estêvão Willian scoring his first goal for the club. Cole Palmer has also been a key player, scoring the opening goal in the quarter-final.

Despite the excitement surrounding new players, the focus is also on the tactical challenge posed by Fluminense and, in particular, Thiago Silva. Chelsea will need to find a way to break down Fluminense's defense while also containing their attacking threats.

Chelsea fans can purchase tickets via FIFA's ticketing portal. Club Fan tickets are available, and supporters need to register as a Chelsea fan when creating their FIFA accounts.

As Chelsea prepares to face Fluminense, the Club World Cup semi-final promises to be a memorable encounter filled with tactical intrigue and the emotional reunion of former teammates. The youthful Chelsea squad, bolstered by new signings, will be eager to prove their worth against a Fluminense side led by the experienced Thiago Silva.