PAOLO GUERRERO'S second-half header settled matters as Chelsea failed to rule
the world.
Having beaten Monterrey earlier in the week to cruise into the final, the
Blues fancied their chances of lifting the Club World Cup in Japan.
But Corinthians had other ideas and Guerrero's effort proved enough to send
the European champions on the long journey home empty-handed.
The game started at a frantic pace as both sides knocked the ball around
crisply until reaching the final third.
Chelsea, with Frank Lampard back in the starting line-up and installed as
captain, threatened when Fernando Torres looked to break free.
Torres latched on to a fine pass from Lampard and did well to win a corner
after Victor Moses saw his shot blocked.
Gary Cahill’s effort from the resulting set-piece originally looked to have
crossed the line but referee Cuneyt Cakir waved play on as FIFA’s
experimental goal-line technology did not register a goal.
With 17 minutes on the clock, Corinthians were gifted possession in a
dangerous position when Juan Mata gave the ball away.
But David Luiz, back in defence after his run in midfield against Monterrey,
remained calm to lean into Emerson and see the ball behind for a goalkick.
NO GOAL ... Cassio manages to prevent Gary Cahill from scoring as Victor Moses closes in
Luiz then wasted a good opportunity for the Blues by scuffing a free-kick into
the wall before racing back to snuff out a swift Corinthians break.
The Brazilian side threatened again moments later when Guerrero wriggled free
from Cahill.
But the Chelsea defender and match official Cakir were less than impressed
when the Corinthians star theatrically threw himself to the ground in the
hope of winning a penalty.
GOING FOR GOAL ... Guerrero has a crack
Corinthians came close in the 33rd minute when Emerson twisted and turned
before dragging his effort across goal and Guerrero turned the ball against
the outside of the post from a tight angle.
At the other end, Ashley Cole ventured forward before firing tamely wide with
Torres in a good position to be played in on goal.
Torres then raced on to another lovely ball from Lampard but the Spaniard’s
fine control was left down by his strike, which was easily gathered by
Cassio.
EYE HAVE A POINT TO PROVE ... Rafa Benitez gives orders to his troops
Moses came desperately close to opening the scoring seconds later when Cassio
did well to get his fingertips to a curling effort.
And in what proved to be Chelsea’s last chance of the first half, Mata also
tested the keeper with a powerful shot.
Chelsea started the second half brightly and Lampard had a shot charged down
after being teed up by Eden Hazard.
HEADS I WIN ... Paolo Guerrero heads the winner
Hazard broke through in the 54th minute but was forced slightly wide before
Cassio smothered his shot.
Corinthians continued to look lively as the game became stretched and Emerson
saw his effort blocked as the Brazilian champions pushed forward.
With Chelsea struggling to make inroads up front, Paulinho drilled just wide
of Petr Cech's goal after 64 minutes.
COR, BLIMEY ... Paolo Guerrero runs off in delight after his goal
And the Blues came unstuck five minutes later when Cahill's block sent the
ball spinning up into the air and on to the head of Guerrero for a simple
finish.
In a bid to get his side back into the game, Rafa Benitez immediately sent on
Oscar for Moses.
SEEING RED ... Gary Cahill is given his marching orders by ref Cuneyt Cakir
But he could only stand and stare in disbelief as Torres fired the ball
straight at Cassio when it appeared easier to score five minutes from time.
And it got worse for Benitez in the 89th minute when Cahill was red-carded,
while Torres saw a headed goal ruled out for offside in added time.
Corinthians: Cassio, Alessandro, Chicao, Paulo Andre, Fabio Santos,
Ralf, Paulinho, Emerson (Wallace 90), Danilo, Jorge Henrique, Guerrero
(Martinez 86).
Subs not used: Julio Cesar, Douglas, Anderson Polga,
Willian Arao, Edenilson,Fernandes, Guilherme Andrade, Felipe Monteiro,
Giovanni, Romarinho.
Booked: Jorge Henrique.
Goals: Guerrero 69.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Azpilicueta 83), Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Ramires,
Lampard, Moses (Oscar 72), Mata, Hazard (Marin 87),Torres.
Subs not used:
Turnbull, Mikel, Ferreira, Sturridge, Terry, Bertrand, Piazon, Saville,
Hilario.
Sent off: Cahill (90).
Booked: Luiz.
Att: 70,000
Ref: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey).
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