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Head coach Thomas Tuchel lauded Kai Havertz after the forward scored a decisive penalty with three minutes of extra-time remaining to ensure Chelsea's triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup final by 2-1 against Palmeiras here in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.
The decisive spot-kick was awarded for handball, the second such decision during this slow burner of a game in Abu Dhabi. "It was not easy to shoot that penalty," praised Tuchel. "I'm happy that Kai stepped up and took it the way he took it. This can only be good for his development," he said. "Palmeiras were a typical South American team, very good individually," Chelsea's head coach continued as he analysed the game as a whole. "They had solidarity and discipline and sacrifice against the ball. They can defend, they can suffer and with everything together, we knew it can be difficult to create chances and half-chances and we had to be patient and relentless at the same time," he added. With this win, Blues can call themselves the champions of the world and have completed their full trophy collection. Romelu Lukaku had cut a frustrated figure in the first half. Shortly into the second, however, Kai Havertz crossed from the left and the Belgian headed home from close range for his second goal of UAE 2021. It was arguably the biggest game in Palmeiras's imperial history. The Palmeirenses were in Abu Dhabi en masse. They were 1-0 down. When they got a penalty, though, their number 23 didn't hesitate. Up Raphael Veiga duly stepped to equalise with aplomb. Already assured of a place in history as Chelsea's match-winner in the UEFA Champions League final, Kai Havertz cemented his place in Blues folklore by securing the club's first world title. The German stepped up with 117 minutes on the clock to beat Weverton from the spot, albeit narrowly, just as a shootout appeared inevitable. Chelsea ensured European outfits have won nine consecutive FIFA Club World Cups. (ANI)
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