Thomas Muller rejects complaints over heat at Club World Cup: ‘No excuses’
Thomas Muller has rejected complaints of “impossible” heat at the Club World Cup, citing his own age as a reason why younger players should have “no excuses”.
The temperature reached 36°C for the clash at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, harsh conditions that were reflected by the far from optimum performances on the pitch from both sides.
However, Muller has hit back at claims that his team should be excused for their shortcomings.
Luke Baker28 June 2025 18:45
Liam Delap scores first Chelsea goal as Blues progress to last 16
Liam Delap scored his first Chelsea goal as the Premier League side reached the last 16 of the Club World Cup with a 3-0 win over Esperance Tunis.
The former Ipswich forward struck just moments after defender Tosin Adarabioyo had opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time of their final Group D game in Philadelphia.
Tyrique George scored a third in time added on at the end of the game after Chelsea had a penalty awarded for handball overturned by VAR.
The result means the Londoners will now face Benfica – surprise winners of Group C ahead of Bayern Munich – in the next round in Charlotte on Saturday.
Luke Baker28 June 2025 18:39
Round of 16 fixtures
Match 49: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (Philadelphia)
Match 50: Benfica vs. Chelsea (Charlotte)
Match 51: PSG vs. Inter Miami (Atlanta)
Match 52: Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich (Miami)
Match 53: Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (Charlotte)
Match 54: Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal (Orlando)
Match 55: Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (Atlanta)
Match 56: Real Madrid vs Juventus (Miami)
Luke Baker28 June 2025 18:35
How to watch the Chelsea v Benfica
Chelsea vs Benfica is due to kick off at 9pm BST on Saturday 28 June at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
All users can watch a live stream on television and mobile devices by signing up for the company’s DAZN Freemium service, with the option to watch ad-free coverage for £14.99. Users can watch DAZN from anywhere by using the DAZN App on TVs, smartphones and any device with a web browser.
Luke Baker28 June 2025 18:34
Chelsea v Benfica
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Club World Cup quarter-final between Chelsea and Benfica.
The knockout stages of this tournament have arrived.
Luke Baker28 June 2025 18:32
