CORINTHIANS BEAT CHELSEA TO CLINCH CLUB WORLD CUP

The Brazilians won the cup in Japan, overcoming European champion Chelsea 1-0 in a closely fought encounter. Striker Guerrero got the goal as the Sao Paulo club secured its second intercontinental title – it won the FIFA Club World Championship in 2000.

Interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez made three changes to the team that thrashed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 in the semi-final – replacing Oscar, John Obi Mikel and Cesar Azpilicueta with Frank Lampard, Ramires and Victor Moses.

Corinthians coach Tite changed just one player from the side that scraped to a 1-0 last-four win over Egypt's Al Ahly, bringing in Jorge Henrique for Douglas. The match at the 68,000-capacity International Stadium in Yokohama was frenetic right from the first whistle with both sides creating several chances as play swung from end to end.

Chelsea manager, Rafael Benitez failed to win his first trophy as Chelsea boss as his team lost against the Brazilian side.

Paolo Guerrero scored the only goal on 69 minutes when he reacted quickest to head home past three Blues players. Fernando Torres had a chance to force extra time but fired straight at Cassio with only the goalkeeper to beat. Chelsea's Gary Cahill, who also missed a good opportunity, was sent off after clashing with Emerson late in the game.

The South American side, which won the Copa Libertadores in July, created their best chance of the first half when Guerrero shot across goal and the ball reached Emerson, whose shot from a narrow angle hit the outside of the post.

The only consolation for Chelsea in the encounter was the silver boot won by Luiz. Cassio won the golden boot while Paolo Guerrero also of Corinthians won the bronze boot with 3rd place team Monterrey winning the Fair Play award.