Chelsea Wins Thrilling Match Delayed by Storm, Clocking in at Over Four Hours
A weather delay punctuated a captivating Club World Cup match where Chelsea defeated Benfica. The game’s extended duration of more than four-and-a-half hours underscored the dramatic twists and turns, including a late penalty and extra-time goals.
Extra Time Goals Seal Victory
After a weather delay, the match between Chelsea and Benfica was stopped for a severe weather warning, lasting almost two hours. The game, which kicked off Saturday, saw goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in extra time, securing the win for Chelsea. Their next match is against Palmeiras.
The Lengthy Delay
The game was halted with only minutes remaining due to a severe weather warning. Players and fans were forced to seek shelter, extending the match’s duration significantly. Referee Slavko Vincic stopped the match, and the teams waited while a storm passed over the Bank of America Stadium.
“For 85 minutes we were in control of the game,”
—Enzo Maresca, Blues Coach
The delay’s impact was evident, with the game’s tempo altered significantly. This situation highlights the ongoing discussions about adapting to weather-related interruptions, which are increasingly common in sports.
Maresca’s Frustration
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration about the circumstances. He stated that the extended breaks and disruptions compromised the game. His primary concern centered on whether the venue was suitable for such a high-profile competition, given the repeated weather-related stoppages.
The Club World Cup organizers have faced criticism recently. According to a report from the BBC, weather-related delays have caused significant interruptions in other high-profile matches (BBC, 2024), emphasizing the need for improved contingency planning.
The Match’s Key Moments
Reece James‘ free kick seemed to secure the victory for Chelsea. However, Ángel Di María equalized from the penalty spot, following a handball by Malo Gusto. The extended stoppage created a different game, as Maresca described.
The game provided a challenge for the players involved, with a low attendance. The event perfectly illustrated the issues that players needed to deal with, considering the cooling breaks and a two-hour weather delay.
