Chelsea World Cup Update: The First Action For Blues Players

On Sunday, day four of this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, there was finally some action for the Chelsea players involved in the tournament.

It seemed as if the first game with a Blues representative would be when the Netherlands faced Japan in Group F. However, defender Jarrel Hato was an unused substitute by manager Ronald Koeman.

In his absence, the Netherlands could only draw 2-2. On paper, a fairly credible result against a side that have been labelled by some as dark horses. However, they lead twice, and conceded the second equaliser after 88 minutes, so they were very close to a three points that would have all but sent them through to the round of 32.

Next up for the Dutch is a showdown with Sweden and former Chelsea manager, on Saturday at 18:00 BST. That could be a very interesting game indeed.

As a quick aside, it’ll be interesting to know if the club directly replace Marc Cucurella this summer, or make Hato first choice there. A lot will depend on whether Xabi Alonso plays a three or a five. Some have suggested a reunion with Alejandro Grimaldo, but it sounds like he wants to return to Spain.

Later on, at midnight UK time, Moises Caicedo and Ecuador were in action, as they took on the Ivory Coast. Despite some suggestion the Chelsea midfielder would be suspended due to a red card in Ecuador’s final qualifier (and thus most recent competitive game), but he was cleared to play and was named in the starting XI for his 62nd cap at just 24 years of age. Kendry Paez was named amongst the subs.

The first half was entertaining, with both teams trading good chances, but neither side could break the deadlock, and they went into the half time break goalless. In the second half, it looked as if it would be more of the same, but Ivory Coast scored a winner right at the start of stoppage time, to ensue heartbreak on Caicedo, Paez and Ecuador. The latter of which remained an unused sub all night. 

Next up for Ecuador is a clash with Curacao on Sunday at 01:00. Realistically, you imagine that they probably need to win that game if they are to qualify for the round of 32, and realistically by a couple of goals, at the very least. Let's see.