Sao Paolo Club World Champs

Filed in archive General on December 18, 2005

Source: BBC

Despite a valiant effort by liverpool to take the title, and some observers might say a less-than-professional job by the referees, Brazilian side Sao Paolo won the Club World Championship title in Yokohama today 1-0. Deportivo Saprissa took third place in a match with Al Ittihad which also featured some dubious refereeing.

Liverpool looked strongest overall, though Sao Paolo's defense in midfield was particularly tough to break down in the opening half hour. The Reds had three goals called back, and Sao Paolo did just enough with one quick break through the middle, catching Sami Hyppia with his feet tangled, to put the ball past Jose Reina -- the first goal allowed by Liverpool since October.

Late subs for Liverpool weren't enough to overturn the deficit.