Chelsea's Club World Cup Match Delayed for Two Hours in Controversial Decision

Enzo Maresca criticized the decision to suspend Chelsea's Club World Cup match against Benfica for two hours, calling it 'a joke'. The game, held in Charlotte, North Carolina, lasted almost five hours due to the teams being forced inside with Chelsea leading 1-0. Angel Di Maria equalized with a controversial penalty, sending the game to extra time where Chelsea secured a 4-1 victory.

Maresca expressed his frustration with the delay, questioning the need for such a long suspension. He highlighted the challenges of keeping players focused during the interruption. Despite the setback, Chelsea advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Palmeiras.

Players coped with the delay by engaging in various activities in the dressing room, with defender Trevoh Chalobah humorously noting the extended duration of the match. The game concluded at 1.40am Irish time, with both teams showing resilience in adapting to the unusual circumstances.

Gianluca Prestianni received a red card for Benfica, while Chelsea's victory sets up a potential clash with Palmeiras, led by Estevao Willian, in the next round.