The second round of World Cup group matches got underway on Friday and there was some heavy Chelsea involvment. Already the stakes would rise as teams looked to maintain the opportunity to progress from the group stage.
Thursday offered joy for Thiago Silva as Brazil got off to a winning start, while Baba Rahman delivered an assist in Ghana's entertaining defeat to Portgual. Friday would ensure it would not be possible for all of Chelsea's stars to come away happy, however.
Chelsea have significant involvement in Group B, meaning Christian Pulisic would face off against Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, while Ethan Ampadu hoped to keep Wales' chances alive. Elsewhere Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly teamed up searching for three points against Qatar.
READ MORE: Ben Chilwell sends Chelsea injury update as Graham Potter given Premier League boost
football.london takes a look how they got on.
Ethan Ampadu
The Wales international unfortunately fell 2-0 to Iran following two late stoppage time goals. Nevertheless Ampadu put in a decent performance for the 77 minutes he was on the pitch. The Spezia loanee took to the centre of midfield for the second time in this tournament and was often exposed but show some tenacity in his recovery runs, though he was sometimes perhaps too eager to go and win the ball. However, he offered Rob Page's side midfield stability when his teammates didn't.
Ahead of the game, Ampadu played a crucial role in keeping a Wales tradition alive. As the pre-match photographs were taken, Wales lined up uniformly well, almost professional in manner. That is not something they do.
Quickly, some veterans realised and Gareth Bale ensured Ampadu moved down to the front row with him to keep the line-up unbalanced. Wales have ensured they maintain jaunty team line-up pictures since their impressive EURO 2016 campaign, though they almost forgot on Friday.
Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly
Senegal got Africa's first win in this edition of the World Cup as they faced hosts Qatar. Mendy had much to prove after having a role to play in each of the goals in his side's 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands to open the campaign and produced a solid outing, although not a clean sheet.
The Chelsea goalkeeper's finest moment came in the second period as Qatar finally found the target, and Mendy made a superb, reaction save low to his right
Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher
It was a 0-0 draw for the Three Lions against USA as Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling started their second matches of the tournament.
Sterling had a frustrating evening with the England side unable to find him as the US dominated proceedings with their press for the opening hour before the Chelsea winger was replaced by Jack Grealish. Mount stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes but was unable to create much for Gareth Southgate's side as England struggled to find fluency with any regularity.
Gallagher could only watch the draw play out from the bench.
Christian Pulisic
The American will have been disappointed not to score against England as his US side put in a lively display in Group B. Pulisic was a part of a front three that pressed well to limit their opponent's options and looked to have the better of the play. Chelsea's winger had four shots and even hit the bar but could not find the target on Friday evening, but was one of the prime threats on the pitch.
The result means USA can still progress from Group B, as can Wales. The UsA next face Iran in what is almost tantamount to a play-off for progression.
Have your say on the Blues’ season so far by taking part in the Big Chelsea Forum !
READ NEXT :
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided next move after Man Utd exit amid Chelsea and Newcastle transfer
Ben Chilwell sends Chelsea injury update as Graham Potter given Premier League boost
Cristiano Ronaldo sends clear Man United message amid Chelsea and Newcastle transfer links
Christian Pulisic can help land Chelsea alternative World Cup tactic proves Mason Mount point
'Every kid's dream' - Trevoh Chalobah's first words after signing Chelsea contract extension
