(CNN) -- They quit their jobs, sold their cars, cashed in on their bikes and flogged their fridges -- but it was worth every penny to watch their team win the Club World Cup.
The fans of Brazilian side Corinthians, one of the most devoted sets of supporters in world football, raised funds any way they could to ensure they made it to Japan to witness history as the Sao Paulo side defeated Chelsea in Yokohama.
With an estimated 30,000 Corinithians fans packed into the stadium, Paulo Guerrero set off the Samba celebrations by netting a 69th minute winner.
That strike unleashed a carnival atmosphere around the streets of Yokohama as Corinthians became the first team from South America to win the competition since 2006.
Corinthians: Craziest fans in the world?
It is estimated 30,000 Corinthians fans are in Japan to support the Brazilian club in the Club World Cup.
Craziest fans in the world?
Lionel Messi breaks goal scoring record
Al-Ahly substitute Mohamed Aboutrika celebrates after scoring the deciding goal against Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Sunday's Club World Cup quarterfinal in Toyota, which was a 2-1 win for the African champions.
Al Ahly reach Club World Cup semis
"We played a high quality match," a delighted Corinthians coach Tite told reporters.
"Everything went well. Each player performed their own role and were able to do well in their position. I'm very happy."
The South American side, who won the Copa Libertadores in July, rode their luck at times with goalkeeper Cassio making several important stops.
The crucial moment came with 21 minutes of the contest remaining when Guerrero headed in from close range after Danilo's shot was blocked.
Chelsea, which recently became the first ever defending holder to exit the Champions League at the Group Stage, had its chances to equalize but failed to hit the target.
Spain international Fernando Torres missed three golden opportunities to score, while Juan Mata hit a post late on.
Gary Cahill was also sent off after an alleged off the ball incident with Emerson as Chelsea's dream of world domination died.
Chelsea cruise into Club World Cup final
"This is the final of the World Cup for the South American teams," Chelsea's interim manager Benitez told reporters.
"You could see this from the first minute. Our players have some quality but, physically, some of them aren't so strong.
"We knew it would be a tough game against a good team. I think they had one (clear cut) chance and they scored and we didn't take our chances. That was the difference.
"We had four very clear chances. Their goalkeeper was man of the match (sic) and for me that means a lot."
The defeat left Chelsea's David Luiz, a boyhood supporter of Corinthians, in tears at the final whistle.
"The game was decided by details," he told FIFA's official website.
"I am a player who has ambition, pride and personality. If you ask me if I like to lose, I will answer that I don't. I have heart, emotion, and that's what happened. I was overcome."
CONCACAF champions Monterrey took third place earlier Sunday, defeating Al Ahly 2-0 through goals from Jesus Corona and Cesar Delgado.
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Back in Sao Paulo, fans of the Brazilian club were determined to join in the celebrations after the Copa Libertadores winners reached the Club World Cup final with a 1-0 semifinal win over Al-Ahly.
"I'm conscious 30 million supporters need to be made happy," said Corinthians coach Tite ahead of the semifinal against Al-Ahly.
A Corinthians fans shows off his tattoo with the emblem of the team in Sao Paulo.
Some 15,000 Corinthians supporters waved banners, set off fireworks and blocked roads at Sao Paulo's main airport as the team set off for Japan.
Hundred of fans followed the team bus from the Corinthians training camp to the airport.
As well as the flags, banners and scarves, no Brazilian group of supporters would be complete without a drummer.
If you have made the trek to Japan to watch your club play in the Club World Cup it makes sense to watch the team at every available opportunity -- even at training sessions.
After the 1-0 semifinal win over Ah-Ahly, the Corinthians players applaud their travelling fans in the Toyota stadium
European teams have won the last five editions of the Club World Cup. But Corinthians, who are coached by Tite, go into Sunday's final with plenty of confidence given they were the first unbeaten winners of the Libertadores Cup since 1978.
Corinthians will play European Champions League winners Chelsea in Sunday's final. Chelsea reached the final after beating Mexican club Monterrey in Yokohama, with Juan Mata scoring the opening goal for the English Premier League side in a 3-1 win.
Al-Ahly midfielder Hossam Ashour takes a tumble as he fights for the ball with Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Toshihiro Aoyama (right) and Koji Morisaki (left) in the snowy conditions.
Mexico's Monterrey also went through to the last four, as 19-year-old winger Jesus Corona (left) scored the opening goal against Asian titleholders Ulsan Hyundai.
Former Argentina international Cesar Delgado then scored a double in a 3-1 victory over the South Korean team to set up Thursday's match against European champions Chelsea.
|