The Brazilian giants Corinthians have edged out Chelsea 1-0 to lift the Club World Cup for the second time in twelve years.

The tensely contested match at Yokohama International Stadium in Japan was decided midway through the second half, when the reigning Libertadores Cup holders cracked the Blues with a counter-attack.

José Paolo Guerrero made the last touch and his header remained the only goal of the game despite Chelsea’s furious attempts to level things on the pitch.

This was the second Club World Cup loss for Chelsea’s recently appointed manager Rafa Benitez. Liverpool, which Benitez once stood at the helm of, lost the trophy to another Brazilian side, Sao Paolo, back in 2005.

Corinthians, who became the first South American side to win the FIFA Club World Cup since Internacional's triumph back in 2006, walked away with a $ 5 million prize.

Earlier that day, Mexico's Monterrey beat African champs Al Ahly to clinch the third spot in the competition.

Players of Brazil's Corinthians celebrate at the podium after defeating Britain's Chelsea to win the FIFA Club World Cup final soccer match in Yokohama, south of Tokyo December 16, 2012.(Reuters / Kim Kyung Hoon)

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