Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo fixture made the Reds clinch the Club World Cup title, a match and outcome that sparked plenty of post-game conversations. This triumph marked Liverpool’s inaugural coronation as world champions in Qatar. Roberto Firmino’s decisive goal in extra time sealed the win on a dramatic and contentious night. Liverpool faced a contentious match under the refereeing of Abdulrahman Al Jassim, whose decisions and control of the game left much to be desired. Whether it was penalty calls, free-kicks, or drop balls, uncertainty reigned. Despite numerous chances early on, Jurgen Klopp’s team had to wait until extra time to secure the winning goal, bringing their 2019 silverware count to three.
Who is the Club Flamengo?
Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, founded in 1895 in Rio de Janeiro, originally served as a rowing club for the youth of the Flamengo neighborhood. Initially focused on rowing competitions against teams from various regions of Rio, the club diversified into other sports, including football, in 1911.
Flamengo’s early years saw them clinch regional titles such as the Carioca Championship, with the emergence of iconic figures like Zizinho in the 1940s, who paved the way for future football legends like Pele. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Flamengo rose as a national force, boasting legendary players like Zico, Junior, and Leandro. This era witnessed the club’s dominance with three Brazilian championship titles (1980, 1982, 1983), a Copa Libertadores victory in 1981, and an Intercontinental Cup triumph where they famously defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the final.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Flamengo experienced both highs and lows, but remained a consistent presence in the top-flight league, clinching the national championship in 2009. A significant club overhaul led to renewed success in the late 2010s, culminating in two national championships (2019, 2020) and two Libertadores triumphs (2019, 2022). New club icons emerged, including Gabriel Barbosa, Diego, and Filipe Luis.
The pinnacle came in 2019, marked by historic victories in both national and continental competitions. However, their only setback was in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they were defeated by Liverpool, echoing their encounter from 1981. Let’s now dive into the events of the Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo game.
The First-Half
Liverpool faced Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup Final 2019 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, 21 December 2019. The first half ended goalless, though it was filled with notable events and near-misses. Liverpool, fielding their strongest XI after a rotated lineup in the semi-final against Monterrey, started confidently. Roberto Firmino nearly scored within the opening minute, setting the tone for Liverpool’s early dominance. Naby Keita also came close with a well-placed shot, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-distance strike highlighted Liverpool’s attacking intent.
Despite these early chances, Flamengo gradually found their footing, backed by a passionate crowd that had traveled from Brazil. Joe Gomez made a crucial block to deny Gerson, Flamengo’s best opportunity of the half. There were no substitutions or injuries in the first half, but the game was not without controversy. Sadio Mane was booked just before half-time after reacting to being held back by Rafinha, an incident that underscored the referee’s inconsistent performance. Additionally, Naby Keita was denied a clear free-kick on the edge of the box, further frustrating Liverpool.
The Second-Half
The second half began similarly to the first, with Roberto Firmino nearly scoring for Liverpool. His well-controlled shot hit the ground, rebounded off the post, and rolled across the face of the goal. Liverpool continued to assert their dominance, with Mohamed Salah narrowly missing a chance from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross. Flamengo posed a threat at the other end, but Alisson made a crucial low save to deny Gabriel Barbosa. The match saw its first major injury when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had to be substituted due to a serious-looking injury, with Adam Lallana coming on as his replacement.
As the half progressed, clear-cut chances remained limited. However, controversy struck in stoppage time when Sadio Mane was brought down by Rafinha, leading the referee to initially award a penalty to Liverpool. After a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, and Liverpool were not even awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, causing much frustration. With the score still level, the match went into extra time. Firmino once again had the first significant chance, and this time he made no mistake. A brilliant counter-attack was initiated by Jordan Henderson’s excellent pass to Sadio Mane, who then set up Firmino. The Brazilian striker cut inside and finished superbly to give Liverpool the lead.
As Flamengo grew more desperate, their tactics became increasingly physical. They didn’t know they were heading to ‘Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo’ in the 99th minute. Despite their attempts to disrupt Liverpool, including their goalkeeper suffering from cramps, Liverpool remained composed and professional. The Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo victory made the Reds hold their lead and officially become the best club team in the world. This triumph meant Liverpool had now won every possible trophy.
The Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo Highlights
- Teams:
- Liverpool:
- Starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Keita (Milner 100′), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Lallana 75′); Salah (Shaqiri 120+1′), Mane, Firmino (Origi 105′)
- Subs: Adrian, Lonergan, Van den Berg, Williams, Hoever, Wijnaldum, Jones, Elliott
- Flamengo:
- Starting XI: Diego Alves, Rafinha, Rodrigo Caio, Mari, Filipe Luis, Arao, Gerson (Lincoln 102′), Ribeiro (Diego 82′), De Arrascaeta (Vitinho 77′), Henrique, Barbosa
- Subs: Cesar, Gabriel Batista, Rodinei, Rhodolfo, Rene, Diego, Reinier, Piris Da Motta, Thuler, Berrio
- Liverpool:
- First Half:
- Score: 0-0
- Key Events: Firmino and Salah missed early chances; Joe Gomez made a crucial block; Mane booked before half-time.
- Second Half:
- Key Events: Firmino hit the post; Alisson saved low from Barbosa; Oxlade-Chamberlain injured, replaced by Lallana; controversial VAR penalty overturn.
- Extra Time:
- Firmino scored in the 99th minute (assist by Mane) which led to Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo.
- Flamengo resorted to physical play; Liverpool maintained composure to secure victory.
- Outcome: Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo
- Liverpool won 1-0 in extra time to become Club World Cup champions.
- Referee: Jassim Abdulrahman (QAT)
- Attendance: 45,416
Conclusion
The triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup Final 2019 as a result of the Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo match, marked a historic achievement, cementing their status as the best club team in the world. Despite a goalless first half and controversial refereeing decisions, Liverpool’s persistence paid off with Roberto Firmino’s decisive goal in extra time. Jordan Henderson’s stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match award, highlighting his leadership. This victory not only added another trophy to Liverpool’s illustrious collection but also showcased their resilience and quality. As they turn their attention to the Premier League, Liverpool aims to continue their winning streak and secure more titles.
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The Liverpool FC Times Team
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