Barcelona claim World Club Title in overtime

Estudiantes of Argentina looked to be on their way to claiming the FIFA World Club Championship as they led Barcelona thanks to a 47th minute goal from Mauro Boselli, but the dreams were dashed late on as Barcelona tied the game.  With only minutes to play, substitute Pedro Rodriguez headed home after Xavi's attempted pass was deflected up in the air, and Barca centre-back Gerard Pique climbed high to head the ball into the path of the unmarked Pedro.

The extra time belonged to Barcelona who's darting runs from the midfield shredded the Estudiantes tiring defenders.  Lionel Messi and Ibrahimovic both failed to hit the target with decent openings in the first period, but it would be the former who would end up being the match-winner as he chested home a cross in the 110th minute of play.

Messi's winner could hardly be more fitting, as the Argentina superstar is favourite to be named the FIFA World Player of the Year on Monday night to go with his Ballon d'Or success earlier this month.

Modest Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was keen to deflect any praise onto his players after the Catalan giants capped a remarkable year by winning the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

''For me this was a great year. We have achieved something that no-one has achieved before,'' said Guardiola, who was in tears following the final whistle. ''I'm lucky that I have such quality players in my squad. The success that we've had has been down to them and I'd like to thank them for that.