equalised in the dying seconds of extra
time when he blasted his attempt over
from close range.
A composed Liverpool merited their
1-0 victory, with stellar performances
from captain Jordan Henderson and
keeper Alisson to cap off a resplendent
2019, having won both the Champions
League and the European Super Cup.
Afterwards, Liverpool coach Klopp
praised his team, calling the win
“outstanding” and “sensational”.
His decision to bring a full-strength
squad to Qatar for a tournament that
Europe traditionally doesn’t value was
totally vindicated.
The Club World Cup clashed with
Liverpool’s League Cup quarter-final
at Aston Villa but Klopp prioritised the
global finals. Liverpool split their squad
to accommodate two matches, held in
the space of 48 hours, on two different
continents. At Villa, Liverpool fielded their
youngest-ever team, with an average age
of just over 19, and exited the maligned
competition with a 5-0 capitulation.
“We had to make a decision like we
did,” said Klopp on the eve of Liverpool’sNo penalty...Sadio
Mane is brought
down by RafinhaWorld beaters...Jurgen
Klopp leads Liverpool
on their lap of honour