Corinthians deny Chelsea Club World Cup crown
Sunday, December 16, 2012
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Chelsea FC suffered a 1-0 loss to SC Corinthians Paulista in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Yokohama as the trophy eluded European hands for the first time since 2006.
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UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea FC failed in their quest to lift the FIFA Club World Cup after falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of SC Corinthians Paulista.
José Paolo Guerrero headed the winner after 69 minutes, and the Blues, who lost Gary Cahill to a red card late on, were unable to find an equaliser despite late pressure which included Juan Mata connecting with a post.
After defeating Mexico's CF Monterrey to reach the final, Chelsea went close to going ahead against the Copa Libertadores champions when Cahill had an early effort blocked on the line. Emerson hit the post for the Brazilian side before Cássio Ramos in the Corinthians goal denied Frank Lampard and Victor Moses.
The winner came as Danilo's shot looped into the air off defender Cahill and Guerrero reacted smartly to head the ball past three defenders on the line, ensuring the trophy failed to return to Europe for the first time since 2006.
"We had enough chances to at least draw the match," said Lampard. "Corinthians are a very good, very organised team as Brazilian teams at club level can be."
