Seventh best in Italy,Inter best in the world

Inter Milan won the Club World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over TP Mazembe in the final on Saturday to end the surprising run of the African champions

Inter Milan won the Club World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over TP Mazembe in the final on Saturday to end the surprising run of the African champions. The European champions jumped out to 2-0 within the first 20 minutes then cruised to their fifth title of the year and second for coach Rafa Benitez.

8220;It was not an easy game because everyone was putting pressure on us that we had to win and do it well. Some of the football players were tired,8221; Benitez said. 8220;But we wanted to do well and we trusted we could do it. We wanted to win and we did it.8221; The victory gave Benitez vindication to attack an alleged lack of support from Inter officials amid widespread speculation in the Italian media of his firing and possible replacements,including England manager Fabio Capello who was at the match.

Club president Massimo Moratti gave Benitez an ultimatum to win the Club World Cup,and armed with the FIFA title,the visibly relieved coach hit back. He said he held a meeting before and after the final with Moratti and demanded Inter buy 8220;three or four more players8221; in order to salvage their season. If not,he said he envisioned either muddling through the season or 8220;consulting a lawyer.8221;

8220;From my side,there is no problem,8221; Benitez said. 8220;I am very happy. I8217;m a professional who works 100 percent for the club. I want the support which I haven8217;t gotten so far. That8217;s all. If we have new players,I8217;m sure the club will improve significantly.8221;

Inter captured its third World club title following success in 1964 and 8217;65. It added to this year8217;s historic treble of the Italian league,cup,and Champions League under Jose Mourinho,plus the Italian Supercup to start this season.

Inter players said the Club World Cup capped 8220;an amazing year8221; and many singled out Mourinho,rather than Benitez,for the team8217;s success.

8220;It was a truly extraordinary and unforgettable year. Let8217;s hope everyone remains fit for the rest of the season,8221; striker Diego Milito said. 8220;It is thanks to Mourinho that we were able to arrive to this point. He remains important to us.8221;

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Cameroon striker Samuel Eto8217;o chipped a pass to forward Goran Pandev,who opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Eto8217;o add the second himself four minutes later when he picked up a loose ball in the area and slotted it home. He rushed to the sideline for a celebratory dance with teammates.

Eto8217;o,who was named player of the tournament,bagged his 19th goal in 23 games for Inter and his first since November 21. The scoreline could been even higher in the first half,if not for the exploits of Mazembe goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba,who twice denied Milito at close range.