It all comes down to this match. Both clubs received byes from the play-off rounds and the quarter-finals and had only 1 game to play so far : the Semi Finals. As predicted the two pre tournament favorites for the tournament are all ready to face off for the finale at the International Stadium Yokohama.

Who: Corinthians vs Chelsea

What: FIFA Club World Cup Final

Where: International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan

When: Thursday, December 16, 2012

Time: 10:30 a.m. GMT

 

Corinthians :

Corinthians won their Semi Final match 1-0 against the African Champions Al-Ahly and have reached the Finals.Despite the lack of stars, the Brazilian side is resilient and balanced enough to pose a challenge to Chelsea. Their performance in the Semi Finals showed the world that they are very disciplined and are hard to break at the back.

Last year’s Copa Libertadores winners have finished fifth in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A 2011-2012. Several first-team players have left the club following the win in the South America’s Champions League – midfielder Alex signed the contract with Qatari Al-Gharafa, centre back Leandro Castán completed a move to Roma, forward Willian made a switch to FC Metalist Kharkiv and experienced striker Liédson joined Flamengo.

Can Tite lead his club to Glory?

Despite above mentioned departures 51 year-old Corinthians coach Adenor Bacchi “Tite” managed to keep the core of his squad and strengthened the defensive line by signing World Cup 2002 champion and former Sporting Lisbon defender Ânderson Polga. He has also added two forwards – 27 year-old Argentina international Juan Manuel Martínez and Peru national team leader Paolo Guerrero. Probably Corinthians lack star players such as Neymar or Ronaldinho, but we must not forget that even Neymar was helpless to prevent Santos’ 0-4 defeat to Barcelona last year.

They prefer to play a narrower game controlled by their midfielders Danilo and Douglas who go front when needed. Their back four led by captain Alessandro will be their key. Torres and co will have to work very hard to break them. Their two strikers Guerro and Emerson compliment each others very well but Chelsea’s defence is mean as proved in the UEFA Champions League last year and despite the absence of Terry, will be hard to break by Corinthians. 

Likely Starting Line-Up

Cassio;

Alessandro.Chicao,Andre,Santos;

Ralf,Paulinho,Danilo,Douglas;

Emerson,Guererro

Chelsea :

Defence is doing well in recent times, midfield has always been brilliant and it will be fair to say that their main target man Fernando Torres is finally back to form. Though the fans are still indifferent towards their new interim manager, they at least stopped the “Rafa Out” banners and are not booing him anymore.  All in all, Chelsea seem to have gotten things sorted out after a topsy turvy season.

We expect Rafa not to make any major changes to the team that beat Monterrey in the Semi Finals. If 100% fit, Frank Lampard could start in the midfield ahead of their new found midfield star David Luiz. But after Luiz’s performance in the Semi Finals, we can expect him to start the game for sure, be it in either the midfield or at the back(in which case Ivanovich will shift to right back).

The goals should be coming from Torres, Mata and Hazard once again as Corinthians are good at defending set pieces.

 

Likely Starting Line-Up : 

Cech;

Ivanovich,Luiz,Cahill,Cole;

Lampard,Mikel;

Oscar,Mata,Hazard;

Torres.

 

Prediction :

On paper and on current form, The Blues will be favorites to win the game but as the cliche goes, games are not won on paper. Yet we expect Chelsea to win it in extra time. A close encounter with the Blues prevailing 2-1 a.e.t.