Liverpool ensure the world cup champions between clubs after struggling to beat Flamengo 1-0 in the final match at Al Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Sunday (12/22).
The only goal of Jurgen Klopp’s squad was created by Roberto Firmino in the first half of extra time.
The match was fierce since the beginning of the first round. The Champions League winner Liverpool last season immediately played to press the Flamengo defense.
While Flamengo tried to steal the opportunity through a quick counterattack directly into the heart of the Reds defense.
Liverpool almost scored in the sixth minute through a Trent Alexander-Arnold kick. The ball is still wide spread to the left side of goalkeeper Diego Alves.
The Reds came back close to breaking into Flamengo’s goal early in the second half. Roberto Firmino kicks the ball from Jordan Henderson when he hits the Alves crossbar.
Only two minutes later, it was Mohamed Salah’s turn to create a golden opportunity after utilizing a pass from Alexander-Arnold. The kick ball is still slightly off the mark.
Flamengo is not without opportunities. They even almost broke into the Liverpool goal in the 53rd minute through Gabriel Barbosa’s kick. The ball kicks are still able pushed over by Liverpool goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.
Entering the 86th minute, Liverpool almost scored again through the efforts of Henderson’s pass from Salah. Alves kick the ball is still able to be ignored.
Referee Abdulrahman Jassim pointed to the white spot against Flamengo in three minutes of second-half injury time after Rafinha was considered to have dropped Sadio Mane in the penalty box. However, Jassim checked Video Assistant Referee (VAR), then canceled the penalty because the incident occurred outside the penalty box.
The normal time 90 minutes plus injury time ended goalless and continued with an additional round of 2×15 minutes.
During the first half of extra time, Flamengo was seen trying to play the tempo and trying to control the ball. Conversely, the Reds are more counterattacking.
As a result, Liverpool’s counter-attack proved effective. The Reds managed to lead 1-0 thanks to Firmino’s goal in the 99th minute assist from Mane who received a long pass from Henderson.
The Reds almost doubled the score in the 101st minute. Alone hard kick ball is still able to be blocked by Alves.
A 1-0 score for Liverpool’s advantage lasted until the game ended and the Reds ensured the Club World Cup champions.
