Ben Guest
Liverpool have been crowned world champions for the first time in their illustrious history after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brazilian side Flamengo.
It was a pulsating game over in Qatar, both sides creating a number of opportunites throughout the game, Roberto Firmino coming close with efforts in either half, while Gabriel Barbosa was a dangerman for the Copa Libertadores winners.
Liverpool thought they had been handed a chance to win it in second-half stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Sadio Mane, only for the referee to overturn his decision after reviewing the footage pitchside.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in extra time, Liverpool’s Brazilian number nine Roberto Firmino scoring against the side from Rio de Janeiro following an excellent ball from Jordan Henderson into Sadio Mane in the buildup.
Flamengo did have an opportunity to level the scores late on, though talented youngster Lincoln was unable to keep his strike down, with Liverpool holding on to become world champions at the fourth time of asking.
Speaking before he got his hands on the trophy, Reds captain Jordan Henderson praised the club’s mentality after they ‘found a way’ to score yet another late goal, something which has become a trademark of the clubs season.
“It was an interesting game,” Henderson said in an interview with the BBC.
“I am sure it was interesting to watch but we kept going, good performance and mentality shined through. We could have scored a couple more. Overall delighted with the result and performance in difficult conditions.
“We have found a way for a long time now. Some late goals, we just want to keep going, keep improving. Keep working hard and putting in performances like that.”
Aside from the glory of winning the Club World Cup, the Reds will be boosted by results at home, Man City having beaten Leicester at the Etihad to see their lead at the top of the Premier League stay at 10 points.
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See also – How every English Champions League winner has fared in the Club World Cup