The World Cup qualifying has ended and we now know which 32 sides will be playing in the World Cup in Brazil next year. Several Chelsea players will feature and many were in action over the double-header of global international friendly games and World Cup play-offs. Here we take a look at how some of Chelsea’s finest got on.
Starting with England and Ashley Cole did his hopes of being first choice left back in Brazil no harm with a solid showing against Germany. Cole was left out against Chile but played the first 53 minutes against the number two side in the world. Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill were unused substitutes. Andre Schurrle played just eight minutes and will need to get more time on the pitch for the Pensioners if he is to force his way into the German squad, such is the quality at their disposal.
It was a good night for the Blue Brazilians though, as Oscar, Ramires, Willian and David Luiz (the only one of the quartet to play 90 minutes) all featured in a 2-1 win over Chile in Toronto.
Spain and Belgium suffered major shocks in losing to South Africa and Japan. Eden Hazard started for Belgium, with Kevin De Bruyne playing for the final half hour, but neither could prevent a 3-2 loss, whilst Thibaut Courtois remained on the bench. Things were no better for Juan Mata who played the final half hour for or so for Spain but could not forge an equaliser, the World and European Champions losing 1-0.
Elsewhere Patrick van Aanholt made his full Dutch debut from the bench in a 0-0 draw against Colombia. Michael Essien was in competitive action as Ghana completed a 7-3 aggregate win over Egypt to book their place in Brazil. Essien played 90 minutes as Ghana went down 2-1 on the night. On Monday both Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel played as Nigeria almost beat Italy at Craven Cottage, the match ending 2-2.
Those Chelsea fans disillusioned with the Three Lions may find supporting Mata and Fernando Torres for Spain, Oscar and co for the hosts Brazil or even Hazard’s dark horses Belgium a more rewarding occupation. One thing is for sure, the World Cup in Brazil is going to be brilliant, and it is going to be Blue!