Sport

Chelsea win first Club World Cup title beating Palmeiras 2-1

Chelsea won their first Club World Cup title with a 2-1 win over Brazilian side Palmeiras after extra time in Abu Dhabi.

Germany international Kai Havertz, who also scored the Champions League winning goal, converted from the penalty spot in the 117th minute to seal victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Referee Chris Beath was sent to the pitchside monitor after Luan Garcia blocked a shot with his hand. Palmeiras finished the game with 10 men after Luan was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Havertz.

The reigning Champions League holders struggled to create chances in the first half but broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Romelu Lukaku rose highest to head the ball home in what was a well-worked and well-executed move.

Despite going a goal down, Palmeiras remained resilient and continued to put the west London side under pressure. Their moment came when Chelsea defender Thiago Silva attempted to defend an aerial challenge but was deemed to have handled the ball in the penalty area.

Following a check from the video assistant referee, Beath pointed to the spot. Raphael Veiga drew his side level, sending Edouard Mendy, who was selected ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga, the wrong way.

Speaking after the game, Havertz admitted he was nervous to take the crucial penalty.

He said: “It’s amazing. After champions of Europe, we are now champions of the world. It sounds better.

“I was nervous [taking the penalty], I have to be honest. It’s a big penalty. It’s just crazy. It was good I kept the nerves. I am very happy.

“I was the third penalty taker but I was the only one left on the pitch.

“My team-mates gave me trust. I dreamed always as a kid of this. This is an amazing feeling for me.”

Chelsea, making only their second appearance in the final, become the third English side to be crowned champions of the tournament following Manchester United’s and Liverpool’s success in 2008 and 2019 respectively.

This is Tuchel’s third major trophy during his Chelsea reign, having won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and now the Club World Cup.

Attah Aaron

Attah Aaron has spent over six years with Idoma Voice. He writes on religion and health.

Recent Posts

BREAKING: APC Crisis: Court of Appeal dismisses Moses Agaba’s appeal against Austin Agada

The Court of Appeal in Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by…

11 hours ago

BBNaija’s Phyna publicly rejects family, drops surname

Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Josephine Ijeoma Otabor, also known as Phyna, has publicly…

11 hours ago

Yemi Alade slams Cool FM, Clout Africa over blacklisting, refusal to forgive

Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has criticized prominent media outlets Cool FM and Clout Africa, accusing…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Relief as Lakurawa terrorists flee Nigeria after military intervention

Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, has announced that the Nigerian military successfully expelled the…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Supreme Court nullifies National Lottery Act, grants states exclusive control

The Supreme Court has struck down the National Lottery Act of 2005, ruling that the…

12 hours ago

Latest update on fuel price hike, fuel scarcity for November 22nd, 2024

As Nigerians express their frustrations over the recent fuel price hikes by the Nigerian National…

17 hours ago