The last few months for Chelsea have been forgettable at best. The European champions went seven weeks with a English Premier League win and also became the first defending UEFA Champions to be knocked out in the group stage of the following tournament. However the team can salvage its 2012 reputation on Sunday when it gets a rare chance to win the 2012 Club World Cup against Brazilian Club Corinthians.
The match will be played in Japan and features a Chelsea side that is coming off three straight wins and some impressive displays from key players. The team ended its UCL run with a 6-1 drubbing of FC Nordsjaelland which included a brace from struggling Fernando Torres. Days later Torres added another brace as Chelsea ended its winless streak in the EPL against Sunderland by the score of 3-1.
On Wednesday Torres scored his fifth goal in three matches as Chelsea defeated Mexican club Monterrey 3-1 in the semifinal of the Club World Cup.
European representatives have won the tournament in the last five years including Barcelona's 4-0 drubbing of Brazilian side Santos in 2011 and South Americans have not seen the trophy since 2006. Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez has already been to the final of the tournament twice. He lost in 2005 with his Liverpool side but managed a huge win in 2010 with Inter Milan. If he wins on Sunday, he would tie former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola's record of two wins in the final.
Chelsea's opponent will be Copa Libertadores Champions Corinthians. The side has struggled mightily after winning that Championship and finished in sixth place in the Brazilian Serie A. They won 1-0 against Egytian side Al Ahy in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Prediction: Chelsea should reign supreme in this match. 4-1 Blues.
Start Time: 5:30 AM EST
TV Info: Fox Sports Channel
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