Maresca criticizes Club World Cup match delays in United States

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration with the Club World Cup organization in the United States — after their round of 16 match against Benfica was delayed for two hours due to severe weather.

Chelsea defeated Benfica 4-1 after extra time in Charlotte. Reece James gave Chelsea the lead through a free kick in the 64th minute, but the match had to be stopped due to lightning with four minutes remaining in regular time.

After play resumed — with many spectators from the 25,929 crowd having already left the stadium — Benfica was awarded a penalty for Malo Gusto’s handball. Angel Di Maria converted the equalizer, forcing the match into extra time.

“This is not football. There have been seven or eight suspended games already. I think it’s a joke. You cannot keep players inside for that long,” said Maresca.

Chelsea ultimately secured victory in extra time through goals from:

• Christopher Nkunku
• Pedro Neto
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

The win advanced Chelsea to the quarter-finals against Palmeiras, despite the match recording the second-longest weather delay in competition history.