Corinthians 1 Chelsea 0
Paolo Guerrero’s winner condemned Chelsea to defeat in the Club World Cup final in Japan.
Corinthians’ 69th-minute breakthrough came when Danilo’s shot was blocked by Gary Cahill and the ball looped towards Guerrero, who headed past three players – Ashley Cole, David Luiz and Ramires – on the line.
And Chelsea finished the match with 10 men after Cahill was red-carded in the 90th minute following a tangle with Emerson.
The European champions, with the fit-again Frank Lampard restored as captain and Luiz back in the centre of defence, almost went ahead in the first half when Cahill’s close-range shot was stopped on the line by keeper Cassio.
An error by Cahill then handed a chance to Emerson, who fired wastefully over.
The Blues had another let-off when Guerrero wriggled away from Cahill and Luiz before mis-hitting a shot towards Emerson, whose effort from a tight angle struck the outside of the post.
But Chelsea finished the half strongly and Cassio had to produce good saves to deny Fernando Torres, Victor Moses and Juan Mata.
The impressive Cassio also kept out Eden Hazard before Corinthians broke the deadlock following a spell of pressure.
Cassio came up with more heroics five minutes from time, pulling off a point-blank save from Torres, who should have scored.
After Cahill’s dismissal, Torres did find the net but was in an offside position to head in Oscar’s cross.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Azpilicueta 83), Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Moses (Oscar 72), Mata, Hazard (Marin 86), Torres.
Subs not used: Turnbull, Mikel, Ferreira, Sturridge, Terry, Bertrand, Piazon, Saville, Hilario.
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This post was last modified on 17/12/2012
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Mr Abramovich is reaping the fruits of his arrogance,bad advisory clique and irrationality. He sacked a man who God used to giv me him his holy grail; and he appointed the Wrongest Man for the job BENITEZ.. They ll all pay the price!
benitez must be a big fool to have changed a wining team. What was he thinking starting lampard in such a game. He was completely absent throughout the game. Mata too had a bad day n this was largely due to d poor support from the midfield. I was indeed a bad day for chelsea.
Benitez, now you must be ready to leave. It's all Abramovich's fault. Mikel was definitely missing in the match.