Chelsea storms into Club World final with big win
Source: AFP |
December 14, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
EUROPEAN champion Chelsea outclassed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 at the Club World Cup in Yokohama, Japan, yesterday to set up a mouth-watering final clash with Brazilian giant Corinthians.
The English Premier League club, debuting at the intercontinental tournament, dominated large spells of the first half and had the match sewn up shortly into the second - scoring two goals within three minutes of the restart.
Monterrey was bidding to become the first CONCACAF champion to reach a Club World Cup final, but the strength of Chelsea's David Luiz in midfield, coupled with the trickery of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard proved too much for the Mexicans.
"It was a good game, high tempo, good play, great goals and great movement so lots of positives for us," interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez said. "We knew they were a good team, but we didn't know if they would be a good team against us. The reaction of the team, especially at the start of the second half, was quite good so I'm very pleased with the performance."
Chelsea started the match with the greater intent and Luiz went close to scoring inside the first four minutes, breaking from his unfamiliar defensive midfield position to fire narrowly over the bar from just outside the box.
Chelsea had its breakthrough on 17 minutes with a beautifully worked goal that was expertly finished by Mata.
Midfielder Oscar played a back heel to Ashley Cole on the edge of the penalty box. The left-back then squared it to the Spaniard who took a touch before smashing it past Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.
Monterrey's only chance came shortly afterwards when striker Aldo De Nigris headed over the bar from close range.
The English Premier League club, debuting at the intercontinental tournament, dominated large spells of the first half and had the match sewn up shortly into the second - scoring two goals within three minutes of the restart.
Monterrey was bidding to become the first CONCACAF champion to reach a Club World Cup final, but the strength of Chelsea's David Luiz in midfield, coupled with the trickery of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard proved too much for the Mexicans.
"It was a good game, high tempo, good play, great goals and great movement so lots of positives for us," interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez said. "We knew they were a good team, but we didn't know if they would be a good team against us. The reaction of the team, especially at the start of the second half, was quite good so I'm very pleased with the performance."
Chelsea started the match with the greater intent and Luiz went close to scoring inside the first four minutes, breaking from his unfamiliar defensive midfield position to fire narrowly over the bar from just outside the box.
Chelsea had its breakthrough on 17 minutes with a beautifully worked goal that was expertly finished by Mata.
Midfielder Oscar played a back heel to Ashley Cole on the edge of the penalty box. The left-back then squared it to the Spaniard who took a touch before smashing it past Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.
Monterrey's only chance came shortly afterwards when striker Aldo De Nigris headed over the bar from close range.
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