The Casual Take – Match Previews | July 4th, 2025

Two Brazilians, an Englishman, and a Saudi Arabian walk into a bar...

In Memory of Diogo Jota and His Brother André

Before football, we remember.

This week, the sport lost Diogo Jota and his younger brother André — a devastating and unimaginable tragedy. Diogo was more than a Liverpool star or Portugal international — he was a beloved brother, son, husband, father, and teammate.

We remember them not for what they did on the pitch, but for who they were off it. May they rest in peace, and may their family feel the strength of a world united in grief.

Happy 4th of July, Football Fans

To the Americans reading this: enjoy the cookouts, stay safe with the fireworks, and let's get to the 5th with all the fingers you currently have.

And fittingly, we’ve got the English in town. Palmeiras vs. Chelsea kicks off at 9 pm ET for a holiday semifinal. Even Abel Ferreira got into the spirit:

Good to see some charisma from the Portuguese boss. I was starting to think he was AI.

Palmeiras vs. Chelsea

Semifinal 1: Tactical Patience Meets Premier League Power

Expected style: Compact, cautious, and likely decided by one goal.

What to Expect

Palmeiras under Abel Ferreira are consistent:

• Deep block
• Wing-driven counters
• Heavy discipline, low risk

But they’ll be missing two pillars in defense: Joaquín Piquerez and Gustavo Gómez. That’s a massive loss.

Chelsea comes in with more depth and more pressure. They can play dominant possession football today, but they could also bait Palmeiras out of their shell and strike when the shape breaks.

I personally am curious to see them try to drag them out vs. just holding possession.

Players to Watch

• Cole Palmer – He’s been quiet for too long. This has to be his match.
• Pedro Neto – If he plays, it’ll be emotional. He and Diogo Jota were close. His return would mean something bigger than football. Not to mention, he's scored in 3 consecutive matches for the first time in his career and is their leading scorer in the tournament, according to Chelsea's official page.
• Estevão – Palmeiras’ teen prodigy. Already signed with Chelsea. Now he gets to show them what they bought. It's his chance to give the world a preview of what he can do in the Prem.
• Mauricio – Smooth, clever, and vastly underrated. Could be the difference maker on a crowded pitch. Regardless of the result, he's one I'm watching in the future.

Key Matchups

• Estevão vs. Cucurella or Malo Gusto on the wing. I'd like to see him back on the right
• Palmer’s ability to combine and unlock tight lines
• Chelsea’s set pieces against a rotated Palmeiras defense

Prediction

Who I think will win: Chelsea. Palmeiras are too depleted in the back.
Who I want to win: Chelsea. Respect to Palmeiras, but let’s not let this run get too romantic.

Known funny man and Botafogo fan Pedro Certezas said it best. My very loose translation, shit is getting scary. We may have to see a rival be crowned the best in the world.

Fluminense vs. Al-Hilal

Semifinal 2: I want CHAOS

Expected style: Open, fast, emotional. Goals feel likely.

What to Expect

Fluminense live off broken play. Quick counters, sharp bursts, and organized chaos.

Al-Hilal? Just beat Manchester City. Confidence is high, and they’re here to win, not just show up. Expect them to come out aggressive, not cagey.

Players to Watch

• John Arias – Lightning-fast, technical, and fearless on the break. Can change a game in a heartbeat. One of my favorite players to watch.
• Sergej Milinković-Savić – Three straight elite-level performances. Dictating everything from deep. I think he can boss the midfield today.
• Malcom & Marcus Leonardo – Big names, but likely marked closely by Fluminense.
• Nasser Al-Dawsari – Confirmed to start on the left. Veteran threat with one-on-one ability and a clutch gene. I need to see him torment Samuel Xavier
• Yassine Bounou – Maybe the best keeper in the tournament. If he doesn't allow rebounds for German Cano, Al-Hilal can control this.

Tactical Notes

• Renato’s man-to-man defense is tough on wingers… but with the chaos in a packed midfield can cause missed marks.
• Al-Hilal’s midfield trio can exploit that if Savic sets the tone.
• Al-Dawsari’s battle down the left wing could be a key mismatch. I think a goal comes from here.

Prediction

Who I think will win: Al-Hilal. They’re in rhythm and have more ways to hurt you.
Who I want to win: Al-Hilal. I'm incredibly biased and incredibly jealous 😭

Final Thought

One semifinal might be chess.
The other might be samba.

But both are high-stakes showdowns — and reminders that Brazil's dominant run is being tested by a powerhouse club from London… and an absolute lion from Riyadh.

Let’s see who gets the last laugh at the bar.