Chelsea captain Reece James has lauded his team's resilience following an unexpected setback during their recent Club World Cup match against Benfica. The Blues secured a 4-1 victory to advance to the quarter-finals, but the game was significantly disrupted by a severe thunderstorm that forced the players off the field for nearly two hours.

The interruption occurred with Chelsea leading 1-0, thanks to a remarkable free-kick from James in the 64th minute. However, Benfica managed to equalize with a controversial penalty from Angel Di Maria after play resumed, extending the match into extra time. Despite the setback and the unfavorable conditions, Chelsea rallied, with Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring to seal the win after Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica was sent off.

Reflecting on the challenging circumstances, James acknowledged the difficulty of the match, citing frequent interruptions, a less-than-ideal climate, and a slow, challenging pitch. He emphasized the mental and physical toll of the extended delay, noting how players cool down and then have to restart their engines.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca also expressed his displeasure with the situation, describing the series of weather-related delays in the tournament as "a joke" and questioning the suitability of the United States as a host.

Despite the obstacles, James highlighted the team's ability to overcome adversity, stating that their response to the setback "probably shows how far we've come". He praised the team's character and determination to pick themselves up, dust themselves down, and score three more goals after conceding the equalizer.

Looking ahead, Chelsea is set to face Palmeiras in Philadelphia in the quarter-finals. The focus remains on building on this victory and continuing to demonstrate the resilience and growth that James has identified within the team.