Chelsea’s dream go sour in Japan
17 Dec 2012 2:17 AM GMT
Brazilian giants Corinthians won the Club World Cup in Japan on Sunday, overcoming European champions Chelsea 1-0 in a closely-fought encounter.
Striker Paolo Guerrero got the goal as the Sao Paulo club secured their second intercontinental title -- they won the FIFA Club World Championship in 2000.
Interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez made three changes to the team that thrashed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 in the semifinal -- replacing Oscar, John Obi Mikel and Cesar Azpilicueta with Frank Lampard, Ramires and Victor Moses.
Corinthians coach Tite changed just one player from the side that scraped to a 1-0 last-four win over Egypt’s Al Ahly, bringing in Jorge Henrique for Douglas.
The match at the 68,000-capacity International Stadium in Yokohama was frenetic right from the first whistle with both sides creating several chances as play swung from end to end.
Paolo Guerrero scored the only goal on 69 minutes when he reacted quickest to head home past three Blues players.
Fernando Torres had a chance to force extra time but fired straight at Cassio with only the goalkeeper to beat. Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, who also missed a good opportunity, was sent off after clashing with Emerson late in the game.
Striker Paolo Guerrero got the goal as the Sao Paulo club secured their second intercontinental title -- they won the FIFA Club World Championship in 2000.
Interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez made three changes to the team that thrashed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 in the semifinal -- replacing Oscar, John Obi Mikel and Cesar Azpilicueta with Frank Lampard, Ramires and Victor Moses.
Corinthians coach Tite changed just one player from the side that scraped to a 1-0 last-four win over Egypt’s Al Ahly, bringing in Jorge Henrique for Douglas.
The match at the 68,000-capacity International Stadium in Yokohama was frenetic right from the first whistle with both sides creating several chances as play swung from end to end.
Paolo Guerrero scored the only goal on 69 minutes when he reacted quickest to head home past three Blues players.
Fernando Torres had a chance to force extra time but fired straight at Cassio with only the goalkeeper to beat. Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, who also missed a good opportunity, was sent off after clashing with Emerson late in the game.
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