Chelsea advanced to the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a composed 2–0 victory over South American champions Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. The standout of the night was Joao Pedro, who scored twice against his former club in a memorable full debut.

The 22-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise strike from outside the penalty area. In a show of respect, Pedro chose not to celebrate. His second goal came shortly after the restart, latching onto a pass from Enzo Fernández and finishing powerfully under the bar.

Despite spirited efforts from Fluminense, Chelsea remained organized and composed. Marc Cucurella made a crucial clearance off the line, and the Blues were spared a penalty scare when a VAR check overturned the referee’s original decision. Chelsea’s midfield, led by Moisés Caicedo and Fernández, dictated the tempo.

Played in sweltering heat exceeding 35°C, the match tested both teams physically. Chelsea’s tactical discipline and fitness ultimately gave them the edge, allowing them to see out the match without serious threat in the closing stages.

Chelsea will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final. With Joao Pedro already making an impact, head coach Enzo Maresca will feel confident heading into the decisive clash.

On July 8, 2014, football fans around the world witnessed one of the most shocking matches in World Cup history. In what was expected to be a closely contested semifinal, Germany stunned host nation Brazil with a jaw-dropping 7–1 victory in front of a packed crowd in Belo Horizonte. For Brazilians, it was a night of heartbreak. For Germany, it was a masterclass in efficiency and control.

The match started with high energy and anticipation, but within just 30 minutes, Brazil had completely unraveled. Germany scored five times in that short span with goals from Müller, Klose, Kroos (twice), and Khedira, leaving Brazilian fans in disbelief. It wasn’t just the scoreline that shocked the world, but the ease with which Germany picked apart a team known for its rich football legacy.

Things didn’t get any better after the break. Germany added two more through André Schürrle, pushing the score to an unthinkable 7–0. Brazil finally got a consolation goal late in the game thanks to Oscar, but by then the damage had long been done. Cameras panned across the stands, capturing tears, silence, and stunned expressions from the home crowd. It was more than just a defeat; it felt like the soul of Brazilian football had been crushed.

The match sent Germany to the final, where they went on to beat Argentina and win the World Cup. But for many, it is this semifinal that stands out as the defining moment of the tournament. It was clinical, cold, and unforgettable. Miroslav Klose also etched his name in history that night by breaking the record for the most World Cup goals of all time.

More than a decade later, “Germany 7, Brazil 1” still echoes in conversations about football’s biggest upsets. It is a painful memory for Brazil but a timeless reminder of how quickly the beautiful game can turn and why the World Cup never fails to deliver drama.

Asante Kotoko staged a dramatic comeback to clinch the 2025 GHALCA President’s Cup, defeating Hearts of Oak 2–1 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The Porcupine Warriors claimed their ninth President’s Cup crown, leaving their rivals to rue missed opportunities in a fiercely contested clash.

Hearts took the lead in the 23rd minute when Hamza Issah capitalised on goalkeeper Mohammed Camara’s error, tapping in from close range after Camara spilled a cross  . Despite the early setback, Kotoko responded early in the second half. Shortly after kickoff, Peter Amidu Acquah delivered a dangerous ball into the box that deflected off defender Konadu Yiadom for an own goal, levelling the contest.

Moments later, Kwame Opoku seized on a defensive lapse and finished calmly from close range in the 53rd minute to give Kotoko the lead  . The match then swung into dramatic territory. Hearts had a last-gasp penalty, but goalkeeper Camara redeemed himself by saving Emmanuel Amankwah’s spot kick, preserving Kotoko’s advantage.

Tactical Insights & Standout Performers

Kotoko’s high-press approach, orchestrated by coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, disrupted Hearts’ rhythm and forced early errors from the away side. The midfield trio controlled the tempo, while defender Kwame Opoku contributed crucial interventions and Opoku’s goal delivered a decisive edge.

What This Means

The victory extends Kotoko’s unbeaten run over Hearts to six matches in high-stakes fixtures and bolsters their reputation in President’s Cup history  . The win also sets the tone for Kotoko as they look ahead to the upcoming Champion of Champions clash in August. For Hearts of Oak, late drama and wasted chances will trigger tactical introspection as they prepare for the league campaign.