This Club World Cup Final was a surprise to many. Chelsea’s forward-only attack left PSG in a state of confusion, wondering how these underdogs could have come to be there. PSG, the favourites to win the championship, after devouring every other team, was paralysed by Cole Palmer.
In the first half, PSG had nowhere to turn whilst Chelsea claimed dominance over the pitch with 3 goals, 2 by Palmer and a cracking assist by Palmer for the third, which was scored by João Pedro. PSG appeared stunned, unprepared, and flat-footed. Chelsea looked like an unstoppable team, quick, fluid and fearless.
PSG was desperate in the second half, and Chelsea resorted to defensive measures at the right times. There was also a lot of hair pulling, rolling around, flying through the air, and a red card, handed out to João Neves for a blatant hair yank on Cucurella’s mop of hair, who for a moment looked more like a rag doll than a footballer. Cucurella played the whole game provoking and sneaking about, I could have watched the replay of that hair tug the rest of night. If it had been me he’d’ve had an ugly bald spot! PSG was clearly frustrated. They were trying to claw back, but Chelsea just were too good.
Luis Enrique poked an eye at the PSG player, or not, and there was a tussle with Donnarumma. However, the match ended in good spirit. Cole Palmer, who was a constant menace, as cool as ice and always at the right place and time, won the MVP award for the match. Donald Trump, the man who handed out the biggest and best awards during this trophy ceremony, added a final twist to it. Chelsea is the first team to ever win all competitions.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Stamford Bridge you are now in history.