What we learned: FIFA Club World Cup Final

The FIFA Club World Cup comes to an end and a new champion emerges, Chelsea Football Club. Since the inception of the tournament, there have been 7 different winners, the latest being the Kings of London, Chelsea. The circle is officially complete!

The game played at Mohammad Bin Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi started on a cagey note for both sides as it is customary in major finals. With both teams sizing each other, chances were few and far between. Chelsea being the favorites fashioned the best chances of the game before halftime and pinned the South American team in their half for majority of the first 45 minutes.

After the restart, the dreadlock was broken after some brilliant play by midfield star man, Mateo Kovaciç who found impressive winger, Hudson-Odoi.

The England international equally delivering a sumptuous ball into the penalty box for Romelu to power home. The goal seemed to add a new found confidence to Chelsea’s play and the title was on its way London.

On the 62nd minute, a long throw into the box led to Thiago Silva handling the ball in flight leading to Australian referee Chris Beath consulting VAR before awarding a penalty to Palmeiras. Up stepped Raphael Veiga and he beautifully sent Mendy the wrong way to make it 1-1.

The game ended with neither side taking the initiative to risk it all and then came extra-time.

116 minutes on the clock and with penalties lurking, captain fantastic, Cesar Azpilicueta struck a volley in the box and Luan Garcia deflects the ball with his arm. VAR calls… penalty Chelsea!

After the razzmatazz involving Azpilicueta and the Palmeiras players, the Chelsea captain handed the ball to Chelsea’s champions league hero, Kai Harvertz and showing his immense ability to be composed in crucial moments, “King kai” coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way as Chelsea are crowned the Champions of the World!

5 Things we learned:

Kovaciç and Kante a better pairing 💪

The pairing of Kante and Kovaciç in the final of the FIFA club World Cup ensured the team had two of the very best midfield ball carriers.
The deep lying defensive unit of the Brazilian team meant there would be little or no pressure on the back-line of Chelsea when in possession and that meant limited space and time in midfield.

Tuchel showed once again how tactically aware he his by dropping Jorginho for Kante and that successfully nullified the counter-attacking threat of Palmeiras with both 6s snapping at the heels of the Palmeiras players whenever there was a turnover of possession.

Kovaciç was his usual busy self and his industry brought about the goal after a brilliant run led to an incisive through pass for Callum Hudson Odoi who crossed first time for Lukaku to power home. K&K, a long lasting solution!

Mendy is the undoubted First Choice Goalkeeper 🧤

One big question heading into the final was “Who was going to be in between the sticks?” That question was emphatically answered when the team sheets were rolled in. The decision to start Edou Mendy was deemed unfair in some quarters after Kepa’s heroics in the semi final.

Prior to the final, first team coach Zsolt Low did mention that the decision on who starts in goal was going to be one taken by all coaches.
The result of that decision stipulates just one thing: Mendy remains Tuchel’s undisputed number one goalie!

Big Rom working hard to redeem himself 👏

Chelsea’s big number 9, Romelu Lukaku had a good game against Palmeiras with his willingness to work hard off the ball receiving many plaudits.

The Belgian striker’s goal was also well taken with his movement and physical presence causing a major problem for Luan majorly. Lukaku’s improved mobility also helped move the Palmeiras back-line to create space.

Big Rom on the way to redemption!

King Kai owns the big occasions 👑

Chelsea’s German star, Kai Harvertz once again showed exactly why Marina Granoskaia sanctioned the deal to bring him to the Stamford Bridge for a sum in the excess of £70 million.

The silky German had an average game prior to extra time and when Lukaku and Hudson Odoi were subbed off, few questioned why it wasn’t the German who was heading for a seat in the dugout.

Come extra time, Azpilicueta wins a penalty then up stepped the man for the big occasions, Kai Harvertz. The German didn’t disappoint and showed how reliable he his when under immense pressure but further etched his name deep into Chelsea’s folklore.

Azpilicueta, A priceless gem 💎

Captain and hero Cesar Azpilicueta once again proved how passionate he his about the club with another dogged display.

The Spaniard played a crucial part in ensuring Chelsea were crowned world champions as he won the penalty late in extra time with a well taken volley before utilizing his experience to help relief the pressure off the shoulders of young sensation Kai Harvertz by acting as a decoy penalty taker, thereby attracting the attention and mind games of the Palmeiras players before handing the ball over to Kai Harvertz to slot home and send the Chelsea faithfuls into a frenzy.

Cesar always delivers!