Liverpool are the new FIFA Club World Cup champions. The Reds edged Flamengo 1-0 in extra time, with Roberto Firmino scoring the goal in extra time (99th minute) after the teams were locked goalless in a thrilling final at the packed Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

European champions Liverpool of England thus won the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time.

Firmino could have taken Liverpool ahead inside the first minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sensational lofted through ball got the Brazilian in behind Flamengo’s backline, only to blaze over under pressure.

After a shaky opening, Flamengo settled, with both sides well-drilled and looking to nullify the other’s greatest threats. Bruno Henrique was the one who was least contained as the Brazilian side grew into the game, with the 28-year-old a fulcrum for much of what they did to threaten the rivals.

While the game had ebbed and flowed engrossingly, once again it was Liverpool who almost started a half with a bang. For the second time, it was Firmino, flicking the ball smartly over Rodrigo Caio, before volleying onto the inside of the post.

Flamengo replied, pouncing on an error by Alexander-Arnold to see Gabigol draw a low save out of Alisson Becker. Both sides prodded and pried with the hope of teasing open a clear chance, but neither could unlock the door.

With extra time looming, Jordan Henderson hit a thunderous, curling drive from 25 yards, only to force a largely-unchallenged Diego Alves to pull a save out of the top drawer.

Once into the additional 30 minutes, Firmino finally broke the deadlock. A sublime pass by Henderson released Sadio Mane, who cut the ball across to his Brazilian strike partner from the right. He coolly shimmied onto his right, leaving himself an unguarded net to fire into.

In the semifinals, Liverpool had defeated Mexican side Monterrey and Flamengo beat Asian champions Al Hilal.

Monterrey had earlier in the day finished third in the championship by beating Al Hilal 4-3 on penalties after the regular time ended in a 2-2 draw.