Chelsea Endure Weather Delay, Controversial Calls to Clinch Club World Cup Title in Extra Time

CHARLOTTE -- What began as a standard Club World Cup match morphed into an extraordinary endurance test as Chelsea overcame Benfica 4-1 after extra time in a game punctuated by a lengthy weather delay. The contest, which ultimately lasted four hours and 38 minutes, has secured Chelsea a quarterfinal berth against Palmeiras.

The Blues will appreciate the six-day respite before their next match, following an encounter that tested their resolve. Reece James's free kick in the 64th minute initially appeared decisive, but the game was far from over.

Match Interrupted by Severe Weather

With only four minutes remaining, referee Slavko Vincic halted play due to a severe weather warning. Players and fans were directed to seek shelter at the Bank of America Stadium.

Prolonged delays ensued as the storm passed. The Chelsea squad remained in their locker room, some using exercise bikes to stay active. Despite a brief appearance by a rainbow, the looming threat of another storm system prompted both teams to agree to a truncated warm-up before resuming play.

Controversial Penalty Decision

The drama continued upon resumption. Nicolás Otamendi's header resulted in the ball striking Malo Gusto's hand. Despite Gusto facing the other way and appearing to have no intention of handling the ball, the referee ruled it an unnatural position, awarding Benfica a penalty.

Ángel Di María converted the penalty in the fifth minute of added time, leveling the score.

Chelsea Regains Control in Extra Time

Gianluca Prestianni's second yellow card early in extra time gave Chelsea a significant advantage. Cole Palmer found Moisés Caicedo in the box, whose shot was saved by Benfica's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. However, Christopher Nkunku capitalized on the rebound, firing into the net.

Benfica then conceded two goals on the counterattack, with Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealing the victory for Chelsea.

Coach Voices Concerns About Tournament Logistics

Despite the win, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration with the conditions and the repeated weather-related suspensions at the Club World Cup.

"For 85 minutes we were in control of the game," Maresca stated. "And then after the break, the game changed completely. I think for me personally it's not football... It's a joke to be honest, it's not football."

Maresca acknowledged the need for safety-related suspensions but questioned the frequency of such occurrences, suggesting that the tournament's location might be problematic.

Tournament Faces Scrutiny

The match raised questions about the tournament's organization. The attendance figures were low, and the pitch conditions were less than ideal. The extended delay also highlighted logistical challenges, with players asked to wait almost two hours to play just a few minutes.

The unusual circumstances, including cooling breaks and a two-hour weather delay, underscored the unpredictable elements teams must face.

Maresca added, "So two hours inside; people speak with the family outside... People eating, people laughing, people talking on the mobile. It's two hours. That's why I said it's not football."

Looking Ahead

As Chelsea heads to Miami before continuing to Philadelphia, they face challenges including Caicedo's suspension. The team will analyze Palmer's performance, the Caicedo-Lavia-Fernández midfield, and the potential return of Nicolas Jackson.

Despite the chaos, Chelsea now seeks a period of calm to prepare for the challenges ahead.