Chelsea Clinch World Glory Courtesy Of Havertz Extra-Time Penalty

Kai Havertz converted a penalty deep into extra time to clinch Club World Cup glory for Chelsea with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras.

The game appeared destined for a penalty shoot-out after a drab extra period, but the Blues got the opportunity to go in front again and they took it.

Romelu Lukaku initially put Chelsea ahead with an excellent header just before the hour, but Palmeiras levelled nine minutes later through a Raphael Veiga spot-kick.

Havertz then kept his cool from the spot in the 117th minute as Chelsea were crowned world champions for the first time.

Palmeiras arguably edged the first half with Dudu proving particularly lively, curling just over at the end of a mazy run in the 24th minute before then shooting wide while off balance when played in on goal by Ze Rafael soon after.

Chelsea, who lost Mason Mount to an innocuous-looking injury, did finish the half better, though.

Thiago Silva forced his Brazil team-mate Weverton into a save from distance, before then heading over from six yards out at the following corner.

Lukaku made no such error, however, meeting Callum Hudson-Odoi’s left-wing cross with a bullet header into the top-left corner early in the second period.

But their lead did not last long. Silva was penalised for handball in the box and Veiga confidently swept home the resulting penalty.

Christian Pulisic wasted a good opportunity in the 73rd minute, that miss ultimately leading to extra time.

Neither side offered much of an attacking threat, but Chelsea got their chance right at the end when Luan blocked Cesar Azpilicueta’s shot with his hand, and Havertz made no mistake from 12 yards.

Luan was then sent off for hacking Havertz down as the last man, compounding a heart-breaking ending for Palmeiras, each of those decisions having been given following a VAR check.

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