‘Focused, confident’ – Brazil legend Rivaldo gives lowdown on Chelsea opponents Palmeiras ahead of Club World Cup final
RIVALDO has warned Chelsea they will need to be ‘focused’ if they are to beat Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final on Saturday.
The Blues snuck past Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the semi final thanks to a winner from Romelu Lukaku.
Palmeiras defeated the Egyptian outfit Al Ahly on route to the final in Abu Dhabi.
They are traditionally a free-flowing side but currently base their game on solid defence and sporadic counter attacks.
And Rivaldo expects them to present a challenge for Thomas Tuchel’s team.
The Brazil legend told Betfair that Chelsea ‘won’t have an easy task’ after Palmerias’ semi final victory.
He said: “They were comfortable throughout, looking controlled in every department in what was a solid overall performance.
“The team must have learned from their bad performances in last year’s tournament. They were more focused, cutting back on any errors that Al Ahly could take advantage of.
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“Palmeiras will be confident in the Final against Chelsea. They will believe it’s possible to beat the Europeans in a single match.”
On The West London outfit, the 49-year-old claimed they aren’t a favourite.
He said: “Of course Chelsea is a great team that is chasing their first CWC title after losing to Corinthians in 2012, and just like Palmeiras, they should be focused for Saturday’s final.
“But Palmeiras could take advantage of Chelsea’s poor form to claim the title and I think they have a real chance of winning this.
“Actually, while Chelsea are odds-on to win the game, I would say there is no favourite.
“This is two big teams clashing for a trophy and anything can happen in 90 minutes. Palmeiras have a good chance of becoming the next World Champion.”