1-0, Adriano (min. 82)
Barça have lost to Internacional of Port Alegre (1-0) in the final of the Club World Cup. In one of the few chances they managed to create, the Brazilians broke the deadlock with Adriano's goal in the 81st minute.
So, it wasn't to be. An Adriano goal eight minutes from time was enough to seal a famous victory for Internacional de Porto Alegre. Barça looked the better side for most of the game, and certainly created by far the most chances. But Rijkaard had already warned his players before the match just how dangerous the South Americans can be, and especially Brazilian clubs, when playing in this tournament. Barça, then, were unable to complete a historic triple of Spanish, European and World titles, but can come back from Japan with their heads held high after a couple of impressive displays.
Cautious
The two teams knew each other well and much of the early
throes of the game were about mutual respect as the two rivals sized each other up. Fernandao and
Motta had their eyes firmly fixed on each other, while Ronaldinho was pegged down by a very tight
man-marking job by Ceará. Internacional based their early attacks on long range efforts that Barça
had no trouble dealing with, while they in turn preferred to work their way into Clémer's area, but
couldn't find the space to get the shots in. Pato, Iarley and Fernandao all showed that they were
capable of causing potential danger, but both Puyol and Márquez were having great games and seemed
to have everything under control. Barça, meanwhile, were finding it very hard to get the ball
moving down the left, and started concentrating almost all their efforts on the right side of the
pitch, with Zambrotta playing in an advanced role.
Initiative
It was only late in the first half that Barça really
started to gain control of the match. Their first clear-cut opportunity was a long range strike
from Gio, and shortly after Clémer pulled off a save from Ronaldinho and the Catalan side started
showing what they are really made of. Iniesta was starting to look far more comfortable, Ronaldinho
was seeing more of the ball, Deco was putting in a performance that would make him the official man
of the match and Gudjohnsen was causing all kinds of problems for the Inter centre backs. The
Icelander enjoyed most of the scoring opportunities and Ronaldinho had a couple from outside the
area, but the goal just did not want to come. Internacional were doing very little of note other
than defending heroically, apart from an Indio strike on 38th minute that never looked like going
in.
Changes
Neither coach seemed happy with what was going on, and the
substitutions came thick and fast. Rijkaard brought Belletti on for Zambrotta in an attempt to add
more offensive strength to the team, while Vargas came on for Alex to bring more muscle to the
Internacional midfield. The pace of the game eased off and with Barça still unable to break the
deadlock, despite dominating the proceedings, Rijkaard decided it was time to try Xavi instead of
Motta. And the newcomer was involved in two great moves within seconds of coming on. The first was
a delightful one-two, but the final shot was intercepted by a very secure Clémer and in the second
he sent a pinpoint pass across the face of the goal for Gudjohnsen to get on the end of, but
Fabiano Eller brilliantly tackled the Icelander to send the ball behind for a corner.
Final disappointment
And then it all went wrong on 82 minutes. When it looked
like Internacional might just hold on and take the game into extra time, the Brazilians broke away
on a speedy counter attack that Adriano finished off in style. It was only the second shot they had
put on target all game, and there it was, in the back of the net. More frustrating impossible.
Barça immediately set about righting the wrong, but time was running out fast, even though they
could have equalised on three separate occasions. Deco found himself almost repeating that amazing
semi final goal, Ronaldinho put two free kicks just wide of the post and Iniesta nearly scored from
inside the six yard box. But luck just was not on Barça's side and Internacional cleverly did all
they could to waste time as the clock ticked down to their first ever Club World Cup. Barça will
probably feel they deserved to win today, but the world title will have to wait at least one more
year. For the time being, it is congratulations to Internacional, and very hard luck to FC
Barcelona.
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