Chelsea captain Reece James had a lot to smile about after a dramatic and exhausting win over Portuguese side Benfica in the Club World Cup round of 16. The match, played on Saturday, was full of ups and downs, including a long thunderstorm delay that could have changed everything. But in the end, Chelsea stayed strong and came out on top with a 4-1 win after extra time.
The victory wasn’t easy, and Reece James believes it showed how much the team has grown in recent months.
A Game Full of Drama
The match was going smoothly until around the 85th minute, when suddenly, heavy rain and thunderstorms forced the referees to pause the game. The delay lasted for almost two hours, making it extremely hard for the players to stay focused and warm.
“It’s really tough when you’re so close to the end of the game,” Reece James said afterward. “You feel like you’re about to finish the job, and then boom — the game stops.”
Many fans thought the long delay might hurt Chelsea’s rhythm, but it actually did the opposite. When the match restarted, Chelsea came back even stronger. They ended up scoring three more goals in extra time, sealing their place in the quarterfinals.
What Is Extra Time?
In soccer, if a knockout game (like in a tournament) is tied after the usual 90 minutes, the match goes into extra time. This means two 15-minute halves are added, giving both teams another chance to win. If the score is still tied after that, it usually goes to a penalty shootout.
Chelsea and Benfica were tied 1-1 at the end of regular time. But after the restart, Chelsea scored three more goals in extra time to win the match 4-1.
Chelsea’s Maturity and Mental Strength
Reece James praised the team’s ability to stay calm and focused during all the chaos.
“We’ve come a long way,” he said. “To stop, cool down, and then restart again shows how far we’ve come as a team. Everyone played a role today.”
When a game is paused for that long, it can be really difficult for players. Their muscles get cold, their minds wander, and it’s hard to get back into the zone. But Chelsea showed they could handle it.
The weather also made the match more difficult. The rain left the pitch (which is what soccer players call the field) wet and slippery, making it harder to pass and control the ball. Reece admitted, “The pitch wasn’t the best, and the climate wasn’t easy to deal with.”
Still, Chelsea kept pushing forward. Their fitness, teamwork, and smart decisions helped them take over in extra time.
Reece James Scores a Goal
One of the best moments of the night came when Reece James himself scored. It wasn’t a penalty, and it wasn’t a header — it was a clever shot from a set-piece situation.
“As I walked over [to take the ball], I spoke to our center-backs,” James explained. “I asked them what they wanted — a cross or a shot? They said to do what I thought was best.”
As James prepared to take the shot, he noticed something important: the goalkeeper was standing slightly out of position, leaving more of the goal open than usual. James made a quick decision to shoot instead of cross — and it worked! The ball zipped past the keeper and into the net.
“I saw he gave me too much of the goal,” James said. “So I shot, and it went in.”
Captain Leading by Example
Reece James has been a part of Chelsea for a long time. He joined their academy when he was just a kid and worked his way up to the first team. Now, at only 25 years old, he’s the team captain — the leader both on and off the field.
Captains in soccer have a big responsibility. They help motivate the team, speak with referees, and set the tone for how the team should play. And Reece James did all of that on Saturday.
What Is the Club World Cup?
The Club World Cup is a tournament where the best teams from different continents face off. For example, the best team from Europe plays against the best from South America, Asia, Africa, and more. Chelsea is representing Europe, and Benfica is another top European club.
This tournament is special because it allows fans to see how teams from different parts of the world compare against each other. Winning the Club World Cup is a big deal because it means you’re the best club team in the world.
Chelsea has won this trophy once before, in 2022, and now they’re hoping to lift it again.
Growing Confidence
One of the most important things for young teams is to learn how to stay calm under pressure. Saturday’s match showed that Chelsea is learning how to do just that.
Not long ago, Chelsea was a team with lots of new players trying to find their rhythm. But now, they’re starting to look like a team that believes in itself.
Even after the long break, the poor weather, and the pressure of extra time, Chelsea didn’t panic. Instead, they came back on the field with a plan and executed it perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Reece James summed it up best when he said, “We’re happy we got the job done.”
This win wasn’t just about scoring goals — it was about showing that Chelsea has the character, courage, and skill to compete at the highest level. Reece James, as captain, led by example with a great goal and calm leadership.
Now, Chelsea moves on to the quarterfinals, and fans around the world will be watching to see if they can keep up the momentum.
Quick Soccer Facts from the Game:
A soccer game lasts 90 minutes, split into two halves of 45 minutes.
Weather like thunderstorms can pause a game if it’s unsafe to play.
Extra time adds 30 minutes if the game is tied in knockout stages.
Reece James is a defender but still scores goals!
Benfica is one of the biggest clubs in Portugal.
Chelsea won the Club World Cup in 2022 and are aiming for a second title.
