Club World Cup: Chelsea reach final

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1242622/1/.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Finally! Silverware in sight for Chelsea this season.

European champions Chelsea outclassed Mexican side Monterrey 3-1 at the Club World Cup in Japan on Thursday to set up a final clash with Brazilian giants Corinthians.

Monterrey were bidding to become the first CONCACAF champions to reach a Club World Cup final, but the strength of Chelsea's David Luiz in midfield, coupled with the trickery of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard proved too much for the Mexicans.

The English Premier League club, debuting at the intercontinental tournament, dominated large spells of the first half and had the match sewn up shortly into the second - scoring two goals within three minutes of the restart.

Chelsea had their breakthrough on 17 minutes with a beautifully worked goal that was expertly finished by Mata.

Midfielder Oscar played a back heel to Ashley Cole on the edge of the penalty box. The left-back then squared it to the Spaniard who took a touch before smashing it past Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.

Any hopes the Mexicans had for a second-half comeback were dashed after just 15 seconds of the restart, Fernando Torres grabbing a deflected goal from inside the box with much of the 36,648 crowd yet to return to their seats.

The match was over as a contest on the 48-minute-mark when Darvin Chavez put the ball into his own net to make it 3-0.

A rout appeared to be on the cards at the 68,000-capacity International Stadium in Yokohama but Victor Vucetich's side steadied the ship and scored a consolation goal through De Nigris in injury time.

Chelsea will play Copa Libertadores winners Corinthians in the final in Yokohama on Sunday. Earlier that day Monterrey will take on Egypt's Al Ahly in a play-off for third place.