Guerrero the hero as Corinthians crowned

Yokohama, Japan – Paolo Guerrero scored his second goal of Japan 2012 to earn Corinthians a 1-0 win over English Premier League side Chelsea and a second world club crown. The game in the International Stadium Yokohama was a tense and intriguing affair, and in the end the Brazilians’ guile and grit won the day.

Corinthians immediately settled into their trademark defensive swarm, pressuring Chelsea all over the pitch early on. The men from London did their level best to set down a passing rhythm and take control of possession, but it was no easy task as Tite’s men contested every ball and closed down space with a work ethic that was well appreciated by throngs of Brazilian fans, who turned the stadium into a bouncing cauldron of black and white.

Chelsea’s first corner of the game nearly resulted in an opening goal in the 11th minute. Gary Cahill, up from the centre of defence, headed well, only for Cassio to block the shot and then gobble up the rebound before the defender could follow up and crash it over the line. Read more