It’s final day in Japan, where English Premier League giants Chelsea tangle with Corinthians of Brazil for the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup crown.
The Japanese port city of Yokohama will see a new world champion crowned on Sunday, and only one thing remains to be known. Will Corinthians grind their way to the title or will Chelsea, suddenly so attack-minded, win the day with their new look?
Chelsea, coached by Rafa Benitez – previously a FIFA Club World Cup winner with Inter Milan – are led on the pitch by Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, goalkeeping stalwart Petr Cech and a host of sturdy role-players and difference-makers.
Corinthians, last year’s Copa Libertadores champions, reached Sunday’s grand finale by besting Egypt’s Al-Ahly 1-0 in their semi-final. It was a game that lacked fireworks, but highlighted some of the Sao Paulo side’s strongest attributes: defensive assurance, dogged determination in midfield and stifling, tactical patience.