Electrical storms cause another delay at Club World Cup

This year's Club World Cup is set to be remembered for many reasons — not least the relentless thunderstorms. A recurring meteorological phenomenon in the United States has so far forced delays in four matches. The latest victim: Benfica versus Auckland City.

Angel Di Maria converted a penalty to give Benfica a 1-0 lead at the break. Shortly afterwards, heavy rain began to fall over Disney World. As time passed, lightning strikes and thunder echoed around the nearby Inter & Co Stadium, prompting officials to postpone the second half.

What makes this extraordinary weather pattern even more notable is that it has affected three different venues across the US. This was the second stoppage to occur in Orlando, which had already experienced a weather delay just before kick-off in the match between Ulsan Hyundai and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Meanwhile, the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati witnessed a temporary suspension during Pachuca's 1-2 defeat to Salzburg. Hours later, similar conditions caused a delay at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the Club World Cup final, during Palmeiras' 2-0 victory over Al Ahly.