Welcome to the start of a new week! The 2024-25 men`s football season has officially concluded with the Club World Cup final, where Chelsea have achieved the status of world champions. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, the competition for European supremacy is intensifying as the Women`s Euros reach the star-studded knockout stages. Let`s delve into the key football news.
The Forward Line
Chelsea: Champions of the World
The Club World Cup final delivered the spectacular conclusion that organizers likely envisioned. Held at a packed stadium, it featured two of football`s most prominent teams in a match full of unexpected turns and drama. The result was a shock that is sure to generate significant attention, particularly in England, home to the sport`s biggest league.
Few outside of Chelsea`s most devoted supporters would have predicted their chances against the reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain. PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, had reached the Champions League final with apparent ease, overcoming top Premier League sides by exploiting their fatigue with relentless pressing. However, in a turnabout, Chelsea mirrored PSG`s tactics, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half which they maintained to the end, preventing what could have been a glorious season for the French and European champions.
Chelsea`s manager, Enzo Maresca, identified and aggressively exploited vulnerabilities on the left side of PSG`s midfield. While Maresca credited his players` execution, his tactical plan deserves significant praise.
Unsurprisingly, Cole Palmer was Chelsea`s standout performer. He was once again instrumental on a major stage, scoring Chelsea`s initial two goals and assisting Joao Pedro for the third. After a somewhat quieter latter half of the season, including some matches in the USA, this performance served as a powerful reminder that Palmer at his best is undeniably one of the world`s elite attacking talents. At just 23, he already boasts an impressive record of goals and assists in major finals, including the Conference League.
Playing on the right side of the attack rather than his usual number 10 role, Palmer displayed assertive passing and a willingness to take shots. Looking ahead, he might well leave his mark on the same stadium again in just over a year. A recurring question for Chelsea last season was their reliance on Palmer`s form, but his performance in East Rutherford, along with Joao Pedro`s emergence, suggests they may have found a complementary partner for their key creative player.
Joao Pedro`s integration has been remarkably fast. Less than two weeks prior, he was still a Brighton player. Now, he has scored three goals in three appearances for Chelsea, earning a starting spot in the final ahead of Liam Delap, who had started earlier in the tournament.
What comes next for the world champions? Their financial position is significantly bolstered by the prize money earned. This trip to the USA has also likely enhanced Maresca`s standing, as he can argue he met or exceeded expectations in the major competitions he has overseen for Chelsea. However, there might be future risks for Maresca. Much will depend on how realistically ownership assesses the team`s previous season performance (likely the third or fourth best in England). While development is expected from this young squad, the upcoming Premier League season starts in just over a month, placing immediate high expectations on Chelsea now that they are world champions.
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Euros Group Stage Ends with Big Results
The quarterfinals of the European Championships are now finalized, promising even greater drama than the group stage. While most top teams have advanced, a surprising result on the final weekend created a significant imbalance in the knockout bracket.
On one side of the draw are the defending champions, England, who showed impressive resilience after their initial loss to France. Sarina Wiegman`s team was expected to follow their dominant win over Netherlands with another convincing victory against tournament newcomers Wales, but their 6-1 performance was particularly striking. Ella Toone`s inclusion in the starting lineup has proven successful, moving Lauren James to a wide role where she has been highly effective. Despite finishing second in Group D, England appears to be in a favorable position following that early defeat.
This position seems even better due to the results from the day before. Sweden delivered a shock by defeating Germany 4-1, coming from behind early on against an opponent who played with ten players for nearly an hour. Sweden`s reward for winning Group B is a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, which England won convincingly 4-0. While the current England team might not be exactly the same as in 2022, and any opponent featuring talents like Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfo must be taken seriously, England likely prefers facing Sweden over Germany.
Germany, meanwhile, faced a harsh penalty for their loss, being drawn against a France side that impressively overcame a determined Netherlands team. France scored three quick goals after the hour mark to secure a 5-2 win. The winner of the Germany vs. France quarterfinal faces a formidable challenge, as they would almost certainly meet Spain, who are strong favorites against tournament hosts Switzerland.
The remaining quarterfinal, which will determine England or Sweden`s opponent, pits Italy against Norway. Norway possesses significant attacking talent but has appeared vulnerable defensively. They too may view the draw favorably and see a path to potentially reaching their seventh final. The Euros have been captivating so far, and the knockout rounds are anticipated to bring even more excitement.
