CNN
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Joan Pedro scored twice just six days after signing Chelsea. His new team booked the place in the FIFA Club World Cup finals, beating Fulminence 2-0 at Metlife Stadium on Tuesday.
Pedro opened the score just 18 minutes after his first start and curled the house from just outside the box.
The Brazilian then doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 56th minute, and his strong efforts ended the quick counterattack by clicking the bar and entering the Fulminence Net.
Chelsea will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday, with the two European giants playing in the other semi-finals of the tournament on Wednesday.
After the game, Pedro called Chelsea’s two-goal debut “the first start of a dream.”
“I don’t think I’ve gotten any better,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m so happy. I want to help the team. I knew I could score today. That’s what I did. The team today controlled the game today and it worked really well today.
“We have a great team, great players and I think it’s a joy to play with them. I think this season will be a great season for us.”
Pedro reported a $82 million (£60 million) trip from Premier League teams Brighton and Hove Albion to Chelsea last week. Last season, he scored 19 goals in all competitions and finished as a joint top scorer for Brighton.
After signing, he was soon added to Chelsea’s Club World Cup team and came off the bench with a quarter-final victory over the Blues’ Palmeiras.
The Brazilian was thrown into the semi-final starting lineup after another summer signature for Chelsea, Liam Dellup, stopped the British.
It had the desired effect as Pedro’s perfect curl effort in the 18th minute gave Chelsea an early lead.
The goal sparked the game in his life, and Fulminence thought Chelsea defender Mark Kukulera was equal at the 25th minute mark when German Cano’s pork shot seemed to be heading towards the goal just to clear it from the line in the final moments.
This moment renewed hope on the Brazilian side and was awarded a penalty soon after for handball, but only a video assistant referee (var) review was ruling by referee Françoire Techier.
Fluminense pressure then forced Chelsea into gear offensively, and Pedro scored the second game of the game when the rifle effort hit the back of the net from the bar.
After both goals, Pedro raised his hands with a sign of respect and began his career at both the young and advanced level at Fulminence.
Pedro emphasized where the Rio-based club still holds in his mind after the victory.
“I have mixed feelings,” Pedro told FIFA. “I apologize for two goals. This is my job. It’s sad to see some of the players I’ve played with.
“I’m sorry, but Fluminense fans know how much I love the club. I hope to return to Fluminense one day. I can’t predict the future, but I hope we’ll see each other again.”
Pedro began his life highlighting as a Chelsea player, and managed to win his first silverware with his new team in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
After the match, Blues manager Enzo Maresca expressed pride in the team’s performance in the tournament.
“We are so happy and proud to be able to play the final,” the Italian said. “This is the Club World Cup and we have the best clubs in the world here. So, having us there on Sunday is something we have to be proud and happy.”
