Chelsea didn’t need much to secure their spot in the next round of the Club World Cup, and after a solid 3-0 victory against ES Tunis, they’ve done just that.
Despite the sweltering heat in Philadelphia, the Blues found their rhythm just in time and showed why they’re serious contenders in this tournament.
Liam Delap Shines With His First Goal For Chelsea
The moment that truly caught everyone’s attention was when Liam Delap, Chelsea’s £30 million signing from Ipswich Town, opened his account for the club.
With a blend of strength and composure, Delap kept the defenders at bay before calmly slotting the ball into the corner.
It was a perfect way to announce himself on this stage and a sign of more goals to come.
Two Quick Goals Just Before Half Time Set Chelsea On Their Way
Chelsea waited until stoppage time in the first half to break the deadlock, but when they did, it came fast and with style.
Enzo Fernandez played a key role, setting up Tosin Adarabioyo’s powerful header for the opener before feeding Delap for his composed finish to make it 2-0 just before the break.
Tactical Tweaks And Squad Rotation Under Coach Enzo Maresca
Coach Enzo Maresca made eight changes to the lineup, giving fresh legs and some tactical experiments a chance.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played out wide, Malo Gusto operated as an inverting left back, and 19-year-old academy graduate Josh Acheampong featured at right back.
While it took a little time for things to click, the team eventually found their groove.
Handling The Heat And Staying Fresh In Philadelphia
Philadelphia was scorching hot for the match, hitting a record 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity still high even after sunset.
Maresca was mindful of this and ensured Chelsea didn’t overexert themselves.
Tyrique George came on late and added a third goal during stoppage time, wrapping up a comfortable win without unnecessary fatigue.
Substitutions And Celebrations As Chelsea Progress
Delap’s impressive outing ended at the 59th minute to avoid suspension for the next round, and he was warmly applauded by the fans.
Romeo Lavia was also subbed off as Chelsea carefully managed their squad for the challenges ahead.
Chelsea Now Faces Benfica In The Club World Cup Last 16
With this victory, Chelsea moves on to face Benfica in Charlotte this Saturday.
A win there would set up a quarter-final clash against either Palmeiras or Botafogo back in Philadelphia on July 4.
The path looks inviting, and Chelsea will be keen to keep their momentum going.
Missed Penalty Opportunity And VAR Drama
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku was denied a penalty after a contentious challenge in the box.
Initially awarded, VAR overturned the decision, which was a blow to Chelsea’s hopes of adding to their tally.
Still, the team showed enough firepower to dominate the match.
Match Facts And Key Player Contributions
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ES Tunis lineup included goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said and defenders who struggled against Chelsea’s pressure.
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Chelsea’s lineup featured new debutant Andrey Santos and academy players stepping up to the challenge.
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Goals came from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap, and Tyrique George.
Chelsea’s disciplined performance and tactical flexibility helped them secure an important win in tough conditions, setting the stage for an exciting next phase in the Club World Cup.