Monday, 22nd October, 2012
The FIFA Club World Cup may not be due to get under way until 6th December, with Champions League winners Chelsea joining the fray at an even later stage, but the scouting of the English giants has already begun.
South America’s representatives at the tournament, by virtue of winning the 2012 Copa Libertadores, are Corinthians and the Timao are determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest to be crowned world champions.
To this end, Corinthians sent coach Tite’s right hand man, Geraldo Delamore, to England at the weekend, to take in Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Delamore will have seen a truly impressive display of attacking power from the Blues and, while Corinthians will know all about Brazilian star Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard who, along with him, make up Chelsea’s magical trio, will be lesser known quantities.
Corinthians could only meet Chelsea in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, given how the two halves of the draw are structured.
The Copa Libertadores holders will enter at the semi-final stage, along with Chelsea.
relatedNewsStoryAt present Corinthians sit eighth in the Brazilian top flight, having won eleven, drawn eleven and won ten of their 32 games, in a mixed league record.
The side were in action at the weekend, clocking up a 1-1 draw at home against Bahia.
Chelsea meanwhile top the Premier League table after a fine start to the 2012/13 campaign.
