Chelsea handled themselves well in the Club World Cup, thrashing ES Tunis 3–0 to qualify for the knockouts. Coping with 45-degree weather in Philadelphia, Enzo Maresca’s rotated team devised a cautious and clinical game plan to finish as runners-up in Group D.
The first half ended remarkably, with Tosin Adarabioyo throwing himself at the ball from an indirect free-kick to power a header into the net in dominant style. The effort has reinforced the Blues’ hold on set pieces, with the former Fulham center-half scoring for the first time since joining Stamford Bridge.
Before the halftime whistle blew, Chelsea doubled their lead in style. Liam Delap, signed for a reported £30 million summer transfer fee, created a moment of individual class. The striker picked up the ball, employing a neat turn to create some space, pushed it inside his marker, then placed it into the bottom corner.
The goalkeeper stayed in the center of the goal and could do nothing but watch. It was Delap’s first Chelsea goal, and it may prove to be the starting point of a brilliant run of form at Stamford Bridge.
There was an injury-time counterattack in the game’s dying stages, with teenager Tyrique George being given space just outside the box. The 19-year-old winger wasted no time, unleashing a clinical finish that became the final kick of the match and wrapped up a smooth team performance.
Maresca’s team demonstrated depth and discipline, holding fast to their original tactical setup even in abysmal weather. The Italian coach utilized the entire roster, and the young stars were prepared when the team needed them most.
What Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea now hosts Benfica in the Round of 16 on Saturday, June 28, in Charlotte. Though they will be facing Portuguese giants, the Blues will take to the field with huge confidence after such an effortless performance.
The icing on the cake is that the young playerss are already proving they are capable of performing on the biggest stage with the world at their feet.