The decisive spot-kick was awarded for handball, the second such decision during this slow burner of a game in Abu Dhabi.
Kai Havertz, the man whose Champions League final goal qualified Chelsea for this FIFA Club World Cup tournament, scored a penalty with three minutes of extra-time remaining to ensure the Blues can call ourselves the champions of the world and have completed our full trophy collection.
It was a cruel blow for Palmeiras, who had dominated the second half and extra-time after a first period in which Chelsea had the better chances. But it was Havertz who held his nerve to send Chelsea fans around the world into raptures.
The decisive spot-kick was awarded for handball, the second such decision during this slow burner of a game in Abu Dhabi.
Kovacic played his part, with a ball out to Hudson-Odoi. What followed was a good old-fashioned centre-forward’s goal – with a no-nonsense cross sent over early and Lukaku rising above the defence to power in a near-post header.
It was a lead that lasted until the 73rd minute, when a cross-shot from the right was diverted in off Thiago Silva’s arm which led to a penalty for Palmeiras and was converted by Raphael viega sending Mendy the wrong way.
Extra-time followed, with both sides having chances to win it before Havertz’s moment of magic.
Initially, it looked like our captain wanted to take the penalty himself but then he handed the ball to Havertz who from a long run-up, could not have scored it any more emphatically. And that was enough, although there was still time for Luan to be sent-off for bringing down Havertz who was heading towards goal.
