The performance from Enzo Maresca's side at MetLife Stadium was one of quality and maturity. We limited Fluminense for much of the game and fashioned several chances of our own. Two of them were taken, and in emphatic style by our new Brazilian.

Joao Pedro's first came in the 18th minute as he fired an unstoppable 20-yard effort across goal and into the far corner. His second was scored shortly after the interval as the 23-year-old rifled the ball in off the crossbar after advancing on goal.

There were no scares or moments of doubt in the time that remained. The Blues were always in control; a place in Sunday's final – against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain – did not slip from our grasp. Another piece of silverware is in sight.

A strong start

There were three changes made to the Chelsea side, although two were enforced. Tosin Adarabioyo stepped into the backline in place of the suspended Levi Colwill; Moises Caicedo replaced Andrey Santos in midfield; Joao Pedro made his first Blues start with Liam Delap also suspended.

It took little time for the Blues to settle into the game. We dominated possession in the opening ten minutes and fashioned a handful of half-chances.

The first came via the head of Marc Cucurella following a Chelsea free-kick, but 44-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio saved easily. Enzo Fernandez then saw a shot well blocked after Malo Gusto had fired the ball into the penalty area.

A stunning opener

Ahead of the game, Maresca highlighted the energy shown by Brazilian sides during the tournament. But the Blues harassed the Fluminense defenders and were first to every second ball in midfield. And, on the 18-minute mark, we went ahead.

It began down the Chelsea left as Pedro Neto was freed and delivered a cross into the penalty area that was cleared to Joao Pedro 20 yards from goal. The Brazil international shifted the ball out of his feet and then whipped it toward the far corner. His shot flew into the net. Fabio had no chance.

There was little celebration from the 23-year-old – it was a sign of respect for the club at which he began his career – yet we had the lead our performance deserved.

We then came close to adding a second just moments after the restart. Pedro Neto was again the instigator as he constructed a way past Ignacio and crossed to the back post. Malo Gusto met the ball and powered a header toward the goal, but Fabio saved well.

Malo Gusto almost doubled the advantage after excellent work from Pedro Neto down the left flank to make space for a cross.

Fluminense threat

The Brazilian side had offered little threat in the final third during the opening 20 minutes, but their first genuine sight of goal almost led to an equaliser. A neat lay-off from Hercluas enabled German Cano to break through on goal, and he poked the ball beyond Robert Sanchez.

However, Cucurella had remained alert to the danger, and the Spaniard was able to get to the ball and hook it off the goal line. It was excellent defending.

It was a moment that gave Fluminense encouragement, and they started to put pressure on the Chelsea backline. From one free-kick into the Blues' penalty area, Thiago Santos flicked the ball on and it struck the arm of Trevoh Chalobah.

Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot. However, a VAR review soon followed and the French official overturned his decision, rightly deeming the Academy graduate's arm to be in a natural position.

It proved to be the final significant moment of the half, with sights of goal for Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku passing by without Fabio being worked.

Firmly in control

The Blues began the second period with the same purpose with which we started the game. Our threat remained, too, and Caicedo fired over the crossbar before Cucurella drove narrowly with an attempt from 25 yards.

Shortly after the interval, Fluminense made a double change which altered their shape from a back five to a back four. It resulted in an immediate opportunity as substitute Everaldo collected a long ball forward and drove a shot hard at Sanchez that the Chelsea goalkeeper saved well.

Yet with more numbers committed in the final third, the Brazilian side were more open defensively. And that was punished ruthlessly by the Blues as Joao Pedro doubled our – and his – tally in emphatic style.

The move started on the edge of the Chelsea box as Pedro Neto won back possession and laid the ball to Palmer. He was held up, so Fernandez took over and played the ball to Joao Pedro, who was able to advance 40 yards, shift the ball inside Ignacio, and thunder the ball in off the crossbar.

Once again, the forward kept his emotions in check, although he did allow himself a smile with the Blues now on the cusp of Sunday's final. A composed final 30 minutes were required – and then produced.

Fluminense tried to respond, yet Sanchez went untested. At the other end, Maresca's side continued to create opportunities.

Nkunku saw a shot deflected wide before the Frenchman was teed up by Cole Palmer and steered the ball beyond Fabio. But there was Thiago Silva, having read the situation expertly, to clear a shot that was destined for the corner.

Gusto, still without a Blues goal, was next to come close as he attempted a curled strike from distance that whistled narrowly wide.

Shuffling the pack

Maresca then opted to make changes. Nicolas Jackson replaced Joao Pedro; Reece James was introduced for Gusto; Noni Madueke came on for Pedro Neto.

Jackson had the best of the chances that remained. The Senegal international's first was of his own making as he reclaimed possession and burst into the box. Jackson opted to shoot with Palmer square, but his attempt went wide.

The striker came closer minutes later after Madueke slipped a pass through the Fluminense backline, yet Fabio was off his line quickly to save.

Aside from a couple of routine stops, Sanchez had little to do in the latter stages. Fluminense were kept at bay well and were restricted to attempts from distance. It was a sign of the togetherness, confidence, and maturity that now exists within the Blues side.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Andrey Santos stepped in for Nkunku and Fernandez late on to help the Blues over the line. And even in the almost ten minutes of stoppage time that were played, there was never any doubt that we would return to MetLife Stadium for Sunday's final.

There we will meet one of Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain. Only one can be crowned world champion.

What it means...

The Blues are through to the Club World Cup final, which takes place on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Kick off is at 8pm BST and 3PM ET.

What comes next...

We will take on either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain to be crowned world champions. They play their semi-final tomorrow.

The teams

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto (James 68), Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (c) (Andrey Santos 86); Nkunku (Dewsbury-Hall 86), Palmer, Pedro Neto (Madueke 68); Joao Pedro (Jackson 60)
Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Penders, Slonina, Acheampong, Sarr, Anselmino, George, Guiu
Goalscorers: Joao Pedro 18
Booked: Sanchez 74

Fluminense: Fabio; Ignacio, Thiago Silva (c), Thiago Santos (Keno 54); Guga, Herclues (Canobbio 70), Bernal, Nonato (Soteldo 66), Rene; Arias, Cano (Everaldo 54)
Fluminense substitutes: Vitor Eudes, Samuel Xavier, Manoel, Fuentes, Lezcano, Isaque, Lima, Ganso, Lavega, Serna, Paulo Baya
Goalscorers:
Booked: Nonato 59, Soteldo 72