ES Tunis 0-3 Chelsea: Blues reach last-16 at the Club World Cup as Liam Delap nets first goal for new side to help set up Benfica tie
Share this @internewscast.com

Amidst a Mexican wave taking over Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and as fans back in England questioned their decision to stay up late, Liam Delap stepped into the spotlight with his maiden goal for Chelsea.

Delap’s goal was a brilliant display of skill, showcasing both strength and intelligence. The 22-year-old English forward kept any ES Tunis defenders at bay before effortlessly slotting the ball into the corner, cementing Chelsea’s triumph.

Enzo Maresca’s team will advance to the Club World Cup’s last 16 to face Benfica in Charlotte this Saturday. The winner of this matchup will then compete against either Palmeiras or Botafogo in the quarter-finals in Philadelphia on July 4. The path forward appears favorable for them.

From then on, it was more important that they did not overexert themselves with Tyrique George completing the scoreline in stoppage time. Not in this heat and humidity. This was a record-breaking day for Philadelphia, the hottest this Pennsylvanian city had been in 13 years as temperatures reached 100F (37.8C). FIFA president Gianni Infantino was here for this group game, too, and it remained 95F (35C) despite the 9pm kick-off time.

Not ideal conditions for a competitive kickabout, nor the sniffer dogs on the gates who were wearing crocs to protect their paws. Maresca spared Cole Palmer the mugginess. He was one of eight changes made by Chelsea’s head coach while Nicolas Jackson was suspended following his red card versus Flamengo. In his absence, Delap is impressing.

Liam Delap grabbed everyone's attention as he netted his first goal for Chelsea on Wednesday

Liam Delap grabbed everyone’s attention as he netted his first goal for Chelsea on Wednesday

The forward blends work rate with goal scoring and it will not take Chelsea fans to love what he brings to the team

The forward blends work rate with goal scoring and it will not take Chelsea fans to love what he brings to the team

Enzo Maresca's men will take on Benfica after qualifying for the last-16 with the victory

Enzo Maresca’s men will take on Benfica after qualifying for the last-16 with the victory

Among a selection of surprise tactical choices, Maresca used Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as a right winger, Malo Gusto as an inverting left back and 19-year-old academy graduate Josh Acheampong as a right back. The experiments took a while to work in front of the 32,967 fans in attendance here in Philly.

After 15 minutes, a nice take and step inside into space from Delap saw his 20-yarder saved by ES Tunis goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said. After 20, Gusto’s cross should have led to the opening goal, but Dewsbury-Hall, as if his head were shaped like a 50p coin, skewed his header.

When Benoit Badiashile’s crack led to a corner, Chelsea worked their set-piece to Acheampong, who nearly scored from 25 yards. That was the cue for the crowd at the Lincoln Financial Field to begin a Mexican wave. Never a good sign at a game of football.

In first-half stoppage time, however, Chelsea finally struck. Fernandez crossed, Adarabioyo headed, and it was 1-0 in what was a straightforward move.

Then it became 2-0 before the break when Fernandez fed Delap. Chelsea’s striker showed his strength in keeping hold of the ball before scoring into the bottom corner.

You suspect it will not take Chelsea supporters too long to learn to love what Delap, their £30million signing from Ipswich Town, brings to their team. For one, he does not shirk the work. Two, he is a battler. Three, he knows how to score goals. This was a fine one, and the first of many, he will hope.

In the 50th minute, Chelsea wanted a penalty as Nkunku barged into the box with fine feet. Finding himself in traffic, he dropped down, and no penalty was awarded.

After 59, Delap’s day was done. A single yellow card would have ruled him out of Chelsea’s last-16 tie with Benfica and so he was replaced by Marc Guiu to a standing ovation. Romeo Lavia, given his muscular history, was also subbed for Dario Essugo.

Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring for the Blues with a fine header just before half-time

Tosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring for the Blues with a fine header just before half-time

Enzo Fernandez added two assists to his record as he set up two strikes in a matter of minutes

Enzo Fernandez added two assists to his record as he set up two strikes in a matter of minutes

Tyrique George came off the bench to add a third, and the Blues now have an inviting pathway ahead of them

Tyrique George came off the bench to add a third, and the Blues now have an inviting pathway ahead of them

Andrey Santos was introduced for his competitive debut for Chelsea and after 75 minutes, his shot was blocked by the arm of Yassine Meriah. Initially, the penalty was awarded, then VAR took a long while to decide it was harsh. It was overturned, robbing Nkunku of his chance of scoring.

In stoppage time, another substitute in 19-year-old George picked up possession and scored through ES Tunis’ goalkeeper Ben Said, who was poor here, from 25 yards to complete the 3-0 win.

Chelsea are into the last-16 of the Club World Cup and you have to say, an inviting pathway has presented itself to them here in the United States. The prospect of playing Benfica for a subsequent quarter-final showdown with Palmeiras or Botafogo? They would have taken that at this tournament’s beginning, happily.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Bayer Leverkusen’s director shares insights on Liverpool’s successful bid to sign Florian Wirtz in a record-setting £116m deal.

A Bayer Leverkusen director has explained how Liverpool won the race to…

Wolves willing to let Pedro Neto leave for Arsenal or Tottenham under specific terms

Wolves will not stand in Neto’s way if a Champions League club…

Behind the Scenes: England’s Under-21 Stars Outshine Glastonbury & The Misstep by M&S with the Lionesses

England’s Under-21s captured the nation’s imagination, with a staggering 3.7million (37 per…

Cause of Death Disclosed for 13-Year-Old Soccer Player Found on Roadside After Coach’s Murder Charge

A 13-year-old soccer player found dead at the side of a road…

Transfer Secrets: Newcastle Chases Three New Targets, Spurs Compete for Premier League Star, Eberechi Eze’s Preferred Team Revealed, Plus Man City vs. Liverpool in EFL Talent Showdown

NEWCASTLE UNITED are exploring a move for MARSEILLE centre back Leonardo Balerdi.…

“Moonbeams Murray Emerges from Hiding, Highlighting the Sensible Leadership of Rangers’ New Management, Writes GARY KEOWN”

No wild promises, talk of ‘low-ego decision-making’, a clear statement that this…

PSG Teams Up with The Weeknd for Exclusive Home Jersey Release

Paris Saint-Germain and The Weeknd have strengthened their creative collaboration by launching…

New Balance Unveils Tekela v5: The Latest in Precision Control Football Boots

New Balance has lifted the curtain on the Tekela v5, the fifth generation…

Fans Across the Globe Honor Diogo Jota: Liverpool Faithful Sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Anfield; Banner Displayed During Portugal vs. Spain Women’s Euros Match

Emotions were heightened during Portugal’s match against Spain at the Women’s Euros…

Unveiling the Success of England’s U21 Team: Candid Conversations with Ashley Cole, Wagamama Team Dinners, and Oasis Anthems Inspire Young Lions to Victory

It is the day before the European Championship final and while some players…