Thomas Tuchel was pleased that his Chelsea side “did not stop trying” as they triumphed in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea beat Al Hilal 1-0 in midweek to reach the final of the competition.
Romelu Lukaku scored the winner in that game and he also got on the scoresheet in the final.
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The forward headed Chelsea in front against Palmeiras in the 55th minute. They looked to be heading for victory at this point but their Brazilian opponents equalised ten minutes later.
Raphael Veiga got the goal from the penalty spot as the final went to extra-time.
The score remained 1-1 heading into the latter stages until Chelsea were awarded a penalty of their own in the 117th minute.
Kai Havertz stepped up to take it and he calmly converted to win it for Chelsea. They are only the second English team – after Liverpool – to win the FIFA Club World Cup.
As quoted by BBC Sport, Tuchel stated post-match that he is “happy” to be “part of” Chelsea’s historic moment:
“In the end, if you score late you need luck to do it but we were relentless and we did not stop trying,” Tuchel said.
“We did not give in. We had the lead then lost it but never stopped. It was deserved but also lucky when you score late.
“The penalty does not look nervous [from Kai Havertz] but for sure he was. You can not be nervous in this situation. We trusted the statistics and I’m happy for him.”
On Chelsea winning every trophy available: “I’m a part of it and I’m happy to have the chance. We said before in the dressing room ‘what an opportunity’.
“We all dream to have finals like this. There are no regrets. There are still things to win and it never stops.”
Havertz added: “It’s amazing. After champions of Europe, we are now champions of the world. It sounds better.
“I was nervous [taking the penalty], I have to be honest. It’s a big penalty. It’s just crazy. It was good I kept the nerves. I am very happy.
“I was the third penalty taker but I was the only one left on the pitch.
“My team-mates gave me trust. I dreamed always as a kid of this. This is an amazing feeling for me.”
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