Chelsea overcame Benfica on Saturday evening, advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.
The Blues seized the lead in the 64th minute when Reece James scored a brilliant free kick past Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. They were unable to hold on, however, as Angel Di Maria’s penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time forced the match into extra time.
Chelsea, on the other hand, were able to regroup, as extra-time goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall helped them triumph 4-1 and go to the competition’s round of eight.
Why Chelsea vs Benfica Was Delayed For Nearly Two Hours
Enzo Maresca fumed after the game
Due to inclement weather, the players were removed from the pitch in the 87th minute, with Chelsea ahead 1-0. They returned to the pitch over two hours later, and the final whistle blew four hours and 38 minutes after the play began. This is the sixth match in the tournament that has been delayed due to inclement weather.
Enzo Maresca was upset at the delay and did not hold back in his post-match press conference, labeling the entire affair a ‘joke’ and ‘not football’. He said, according to the Mirror:
“This is a joke. That is why I said it. If they’ve already been suspended for six games, something isn’t working properly. I’m not here to make the ruling. I’m not the one to make the rules. I am the final one. I’m speaking as a manager. As a manager, it is difficult to deal with two hours of suspension.
“There is an issue for me personally. But I’m not chatting; I’m talking as a manager. Because you’re two hours inside trying to keep them in the game while they’re outside conversing with their family for safety reasons.
“They’re eating something, playing, and laughing. How can you keep them focused for two hours inside? Then we’re happy. We are pleased to be here. We are pleased to participate in this competition. However, it is out of the ordinary.
“I think it’s a joke to be honest; it’s not football. This is not for us. You cannot be within. It’s something you’re quite familiar with, but I’m having trouble understanding. I understand that you have decided to suspend the game for security reasons. But if you suspend seven or eight games, that’s probably not the best venue to hold this competition.”
Chelsea will meet Brazilian side Palmeiras in the competition’s last eight on Friday, July 4, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
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