Firmino strike in extra time wins Liverpool their first FIFA Club World Cup title after beating South American Champions Flamengo in final
After both clubs cleared a difficult hurdle in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, and with Flamengo coming from a goal down to beat Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia 3-1 and Liverpool recording a 2-1 victory over Monterrey, the South American Champions and the Champions of Europe came face-to-face in the finals of the Club World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
Flamengo gave the European Champions a good round for their money claiming 53% of possession, completing 671 passes translating into 82% pass accuracy against Liverpool’s 47%, 601 passes (80%) pass accuracy respectively, but Roberto Firmino extra time goal was enough to hand Liverpool their first ever FIFA Club World Cup title after losing in final to another Brazilian club Sao Paulo in 2005.
Leading to the goal, a pass from deep midfield sent Sadio Mane through on goal but with Flamengo defender closing down the Senegalese in somehow a tight angle from outside the box, Mane turned to lay a pass with his left foot into the path of Rob Firmino.
The Brazilian kept his composure, beat Flamengo defender to the right before smashing a decent ball from inside the box into the middle of the posts to give Liverpool the lead on 99’ minute.
After the goal, Flamengo keeper Diego Alves produced two quick saves to deny Liverpool a second and third goal on the night.
Liverpool victory today is the English’s first title of the tournament but Europe’s seventh consecutive title of FIFA Club World Cup after Corinthians’ triumph in 2012.
