Chelsea routs Monterrey, sets up Corinthians final

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Agence France-Presse

Chelsea players Ashley Cole (R) and Fernando Torres celebrate a goal during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Mexico’s Monterrey in the Club World Cup. AP photo

European champion Chelsea outclassed Mexican Monterrey 3-1 at the Club World Cup in Japan yesterday to set up a mouthwatering final clash with Brazilian giants Corinthians.

The English 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.

Monterrey was 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.

Chelsea started the match with the greater intent and Luiz went close to scoring inside the first four minutes, breaking from his defensive midfield position to fire narrowly over the bar from just outside the box.

Eden Hazard missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring two minutes later. Luiz played a precision pass which split the Monterrey defence but the Belgian pushed the ball wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Chelsea had its breakthrough on 17 minutes with a beautifully worked goal 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.

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

Victor Vucetich’s side scored a consolation goal through Aldo De Nigris in injury time.

Chelsea will play Copa Libertadores winner Corinthians from Brazil in the final in Yokohama on Dec. 16.
Earlier that day Monterrey will take on Egypt’s Al-Ahly in a play-off for third place.