Liam Delap opened his Chelsea account in style as the Blues secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis to seal their place in the Round of 16 at the Club World Cup.
The young forward, signed for £30 million, struck just minutes after Tosin Adarabioyo had broken the deadlock in first-half added time. Tyrique George rounded off the win with a late third in stoppage time, following a denied penalty earlier in the second half.
With Nicolas Jackson suspended, Delap was handed a start by manager Enzo Maresca, who made sweeping changes to his starting XI in line with his rotation strategy. The 22-year-old seized the moment under humid conditions, with kickoff temperatures still hovering around 33°C.
Chelsea, needing only a point to progress due to superior goal difference, showed attacking intent early. Delap nearly scored within minutes, weaving through defenders but firing straight at Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
Maresca’s side, largely dominant throughout, saw chances fall to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Josh Acheampong, but it was Fernandez’s pinpoint deliveries that ultimately tilted the game. His free-kick found Adarabioyo, who headed in the opener, and moments later, the Argentine midfielder lofted a clever ball forward that Delap expertly controlled and slotted home.
The Londoners looked to have earned a penalty in the second half when Andrey Santos’ shot deflected off Yassine Meriah’s arm, but after a lengthy VAR check, the decision was overturned.
Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when substitute George found the net, albeit with help from a goalkeeping blunder by Ben Said.
The result sets up a clash with Group C surprise winners Benfica – who topped Bayern Munich – in the next round to be played in Charlotte on Saturday.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the crowd watching Chelsea’s confident performance, which now raises questions about Delap’s role in Maresca’s plans going forward, especially with Jackson serving a ban.
Despite flashes of promise from Esperance Tunis, they lacked finishing power and rarely tested goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea’s progression continues a campaign that has seen promise from young names, and as the competition heats up, Delap’s timing couldn’t be better.
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