DUBAI: In a recent celebration of unforgettable Club World Cup finals, FIFA included the 2009 showdown between Barcelona and Estudiantes at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City, showcasing the passion and drama of the tournament in the heart of the UAE.
In a report headlined: ‘Messi caps magic year’, FIFA Portal wrote: “Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side were forced to dig deep into their reserves of fight and resolve to overcome an unflinching Estudiantes team in one of the most dramatic Club World Cup finals. The Argentinians looked to be heading for a famous triumph when they led 1-0 with just one minute of regulation time remaining.
‘Estudiantes had withstood persistent Barcelona pressure after Mauro Boselli gave them a first-half lead, but their resistance was finally broken when Pedro’s late looping header levelled the score. Lionel Messi’s extra-time winner will not make the little maestro’s highlight reel of spectacular efforts – he launched himself at a Dani Alves cross and chested the ball in
from six yards – but will go down as one of most important goals of his magnificent career.’
Source:Emirates News Agency