Rob king of world for Klopp
Liverpool ....................1 Flamengo ...................0 (after extra-time)
Liverpool were crowned kings of the world for the first time after a goal from a Brazilian sealed victory over Flamengo in Qatar.
Roberto Firmino hit the dramatic winner in the ninth minute of extra time to secure victory for Jurgen Klopp’s European champions in the Club World Cup.
The Reds had lost three previous finals in the tournament’s many gui ses and captain Jordan Henderson said: “I’m sure it was interesting to watch.
“We kept going, it was a good performance and our mentality again shone through.
“We probably should have scored a couple more and we defended really well so overall I’m delighted with the result and the performance in some difficult conditions.
“We’ve always found a way to win for a long time now, with late goals.
“But we just want to keep going, keep putting in good performances like that, keep improving.”
Firmino smashed the post early in the second half but in truth neither side threatened much before the extra 30 minutes.
Liverpool had been given a penalty right at the end of regulation time with Rafinha penalised for bringing down Sadio Mane in the box but the decision was downgraded to a free-kick after VAR spotted that it was outside the area.
The Reds lost midfielder Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain in the second half to injury – on the same knee that kept the former Arsenal star out for a year.
But in the 99th minute, Firmino’s cool finish sparked wild celebrations and downed the South Americans.
Subst itute Lincoln missed Flamengo’s best chance of the game in the closing stages as he blazed over from 12 yards.
The runners-up were applauded off the park by dedicated fans after an incredible season that saw them scoop the Brazilian Serie A title and the Copa Libertadores, which booked their place in Qatar.
Liverpool are the second English side to win the Club World Cup, after Manchester United in 2008.