Corinthians celebrate their world title triumph (Photo by Shin-ichiro KANEKO)

Corinthians beat Chelsea to claim world crown after Monterrey finished third

AL-AHLY SC (EGY) 0-2 CF MONTERREY (MEX) [Dec 16]
CORINTHIANS (BRA) 1-0 CHELSEA FC (ENG) [Dec 16]

Monterrey opened the scoring after just three minutes. In front of Al-Ahly’s goal, Sayed Moawad tried to stop onrushing Jesus Corona but collided with his own goalkeeper Mahmoud Abou Elseoud, allowing the teenager to score with ease. The African champions fought back for an equaliser, but Cesar Delgado was put through by Neri Cardozo to beat Abou Elseoud and secure third spot for the CONCACAF champions.

In the final, Chelsea started well with captain Frank Lampard back in the starting eleven, but a close-range shot from Gary Cahill was blocked by goalkeeper Cassio’s legs on the goal line. In a stadium where vociferous Corinthians’ supporters replicated the atmosphere of Sao Paulo, the South American champions also came close to an opening goal on the break, but both efforts by Emerson were off target.

After staving off Chelsea’s attack with a solid defence, Corinthians took the lead in the middle of the second half. Chelsea’s defence blocked Danilo’s shot, but the ball ballooned up in front of the goal and was pushed into the net by Paolo Guerrero’s head. Falling behind, the European champions pressed hard and despite a late red card for Cahill, they found the net deep in extra time. However, Fernando Torres had the goal disallowed for off-side.