Can Chelsea win the World Cup?

Article by e-Chelsea's Lee Beevor

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According to Hammers supporters of a certain age, West Ham won the World Cup in 1966. This is by virtue of the presence of Bobby Moore, who captained England’s triumphant team, alongside Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. In the final itself, Hurst and Peters scored all four of England’s goals, adding considerable weight to the East London contribution.

As the 2014 tournament enters the knock-out stages, ten Chelsea players remain involved, albeit sadly none of our England contingent. Arguably our best chance of claiming a West London victory lies with Belgium. Belgium possesses Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, all of whom are key to their chances of success. Courtois and Hazard are already among the best in the world in their positions, despite being aged just 22 and 23 respectively. Lukaku started the competition as first choice, albeit has slipped behind the effervescent Origi of late. However, there is still time for him to demonstrate he has the spirit and determination to win back his place. Indeed, he will need these qualities if he is ever to represent his parent club on a regular basis.

Belgium faces USA in the last 16, with the prize of a likely quarter-final clash with Argentina awaiting the victor. If they are to overcome the tests ahead, Hazard and Courtois will need to be at their very best. Perhaps they could crown a “Chelsea” victory in the best possible way, with Courtois saving a penalty before Eden sets off on a mazy run, before blasting a stoppage time winner?

If Belgium cannot prevail, the hosts provide the next likeliest opportunity. Brazil has Oscar, Ramires and Willian among their number, with David Luiz claimable, on the basis he has yet to kick a football for PSG. This gives us two starters and two fringe players to carry our hopes. Oscar showed in his country’s 3-1 opening group defeat of Croatia that he can excel on the sport’s biggest stage. Since he has been less prominent and with Ramires and Willian peripheral, the prospects of a true Chelsea victory appear a long shot.

Thereafter, chances become even slimmer, with Nigeria next in line. John Mikel Obi and Kenneth Omerou are both certain to take to the field as the Africans take on France, with sulky Victor Moses confined to the bench. However, integral as both Mikel and Omerou have become to their nation, it is hard to see them progressing any further in the tournament.

Finally, there is Andre Schurrle, who is our solitary representative in a very strong team. Unfortunately, Germany has chosen to omit Andre so far, with his perfect cross for their fourth against Portugal his only contribution. Short of injury or suspension it is hard to see him promoted to the starters, making a stellar role in a Germany triumph unlikely. To provide justification for a Chelsea World Cup, Andre will need to score a hat-trick in the final. Even this alone will not be enough, with the feat needing to be elevated, perhaps with a German rally from a 2-0 deficit?

In conclusion, it looks unlikely our players will be able to match the magic of Moore, Peters and Hurst all those years ago. In recent times, Barcelona may lay claim to the Spanish success of 2010, having provided the back-bone of the side, plus Iniesta’s winning goal in the final itself. However, in purely English terms, West Ham remains the only club side to have won the World Cup!

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