Chelsea Survive Storm and Benfica to Claim 1-0 Victory
In a dramatic and weather-interrupted FIFA Club World Cup clash in Charlotte, Chelsea held off Benfica with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a sublime free-kick from Reece James. However, it wasn’t just the football that made headlines—it was the lightning storm that brought chaos to the final minutes of the match.
A Game Suspended by the Skies
With just four minutes left on the clock, the referee halted play due to lightning threats near Bank of America Stadium. As per FIFA’s safety regulations, any lightning within a 10-mile radius mandates a pause, and officials quickly ushered players off the pitch. Supporters were directed into the concourse for safety, while broadcasters and commentators were left scrambling as the unexpected delay unfolded.
FIFA announced a 30-minute break as a precaution, stating the game would resume only once conditions were declared safe. The restart time was tentatively set for 6:45 pm local time (11:45 pm BST), though further delays were possible if the storm persisted.
A Free-Kick to Remember
The lone goal came via Reece James, who netted the fifth direct free-kick goal of this tournament. His clinical strike showcased his trademark technique, curling the ball past the Benfica wall and goalkeeper to give Chelsea the advantage.
Frustration in the Final Third
Despite Chelsea’s lead, fans weren’t entirely impressed. Viewer feedback highlighted familiar frustrations: a lack of sharpness in the final third, and concerns over Cole Palmer’s recent dip in form. One fan commented, “Palmer looks a shadow of the player from six months ago. He needs a rest.”
Substitution Confusion and Missed Moments
Adding to the bizarre sequence of events, Benfica’s Joao Veloso—celebrating his 20th birthday just days earlier—was brought on moments before the weather suspension. He didn’t even get a touch on the ball before being taken off with the rest of the players.
Another tactical decision raised eyebrows: Chelsea substituted three key players with only nine minutes to go. A fan from Bournemouth questioned the logic, especially with the potential for extra time looming: “Why weaken the side right before the finish?”
Fans React: “So Much for an Early Night”
Viewers expressed their fatigue and disappointment online. A fan from Kettering joked, “Told my young son he could stay up for the end—might regret that now,” while another added, “So much for my early night. I won’t sleep until it’s done!”
East Coast Blues?
The U.S. East Coast’s storm-prone weather came under scrutiny as well, especially with the World Cup set to visit North America next year. One viewer from Seattle pointed out, “It’s 65 and cloudy here. Maybe stop packing all the games on the East Coast?”
Looking Ahead
Chelsea will be relieved to have held on to their lead and avoided the chaos that could have erupted from extra time. For Benfica, it’s another case of “what if,” in a match overshadowed by nature’s unpredictability.
The Club World Cup drama continues, but one thing’s for sure: football, like weather, remains gloriously unpredictable.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0rvz95exd4t
