Liverpool FC's hopes of adding the FIFA Club World Championship crown to their UEFA Champions League trophy ended in disappointment when they were defeated 1-0 in the final against São Paolo FC.
Defence breached
Mineiro scored the only goal of the game midway through the first-half after he was adroitly put through by former Brazil international Marcio Amoroso. It was the first goal the English Premiership side have conceded in over 17 hours of football but they responded with zest, and almost equalised immediately when Luis Garcia hit the bar with a header. Steven Gerrard then screwed a great chance wide and it proved a sign of things to come for Liverpool.
Disallowed goals
Such was Rafael Benítez's side's domination that by the time the referee blew for full time, the corner count was 17-0 in their favour, and they had had no less than three efforts ruled out for offside. A constant aerial threat to the Brazilian side's back line, Garcia thought he had finally equalised just after the hour mark but his celebrations were halted by the linesman's flag. Sami Hyypiä and Florent Sinama-Pongolle also had goals ruled out, while Rogério Ceni made a series of fine saves as the European champions were frustrated.
Benitez blunted
Despite the loss, Liverpool manager Benítez remained sanguine after the game, reflecting that luck simply was not on their side. "We did everything we could to win the game," he said. "We had 21 shots and 17 corners, hit the bar twice and had three goals disallowed. I have tried to show respect for Sao Paulo because they are a good team - but we deserved to win. We need to focus elsewhere now."
Defence breached
Mineiro scored the only goal of the game midway through the first-half after he was adroitly put through by former Brazil international Marcio Amoroso. It was the first goal the English Premiership side have conceded in over 17 hours of football but they responded with zest, and almost equalised immediately when Luis Garcia hit the bar with a header. Steven Gerrard then screwed a great chance wide and it proved a sign of things to come for Liverpool.
Disallowed goals
Such was Rafael Benítez's side's domination that by the time the referee blew for full time, the corner count was 17-0 in their favour, and they had had no less than three efforts ruled out for offside. A constant aerial threat to the Brazilian side's back line, Garcia thought he had finally equalised just after the hour mark but his celebrations were halted by the linesman's flag. Sami Hyypiä and Florent Sinama-Pongolle also had goals ruled out, while Rogério Ceni made a series of fine saves as the European champions were frustrated.
Benitez blunted
Despite the loss, Liverpool manager Benítez remained sanguine after the game, reflecting that luck simply was not on their side. "We did everything we could to win the game," he said. "We had 21 shots and 17 corners, hit the bar twice and had three goals disallowed. I have tried to show respect for Sao Paulo because they are a good team - but we deserved to win. We need to focus elsewhere now."
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