Jorginho shines as Flamengo beat Espérance | OneFootball

Flamengo weren't at their best Philadelphia but defeated Espérance de Tunis 2-0 thanks to goals from De Arrascaeta and Luiz Araújo, kicked off the Club World Cup.

Flamengo, with the same number of points and goals, surpasses Chelsea and takes the lead on the basis of fewer cards. The Blues, incidentally, will face Flamengo later this week while while the Tunisians will take on Los Angeles FC.

Flamengo controls

The first half was completely dominated by Flamengo. Filipe Luís's team suffocated the opposition with effective high pressing, and Espérance barely managed to cross the midfield in the first half-hour.

Jorginho, the new arrival from Arsenal, played a key role in the build-up face while  Pulgar either dropped between the defenders to build up or advanced to create a numerical advantage in the final third when a full-back dropped back.

Despite the intensity at the start, Flamengo created few real chances, the first threat came from an aerial ball: Léo Ortiz received a cross in the box but didn't convert his header.

The goal that gave the advantage to the Cariocas started with a great pass from Jorginho. Varela then crossed from the right and Luiz Araújo set it up for De Arrascaeta to open the scoring.

Soon after, Gerson threatened the second goal with a strong shot in the box but Ben Said was able to get in the way.

Despite continuing to dominate the first half, Flamengo gradually slowed down and started to manage the lead comfortably until the break.

Second and Decisive Blow

The second half was, at times, tense for the Brazilians. Belaili in particular was a danger for the Tunisian, forcing a good save from Rossi.

It was then that Jorginho again made a difference with his skill. The midfielder made a good forward pass to Luiz Araújo, who positioned his body well and struck accurately into the corner, leaving Ben Said with no chance: 2-0.

Belaili kept trying. But Espérance, it must be said, only managed to get one shot on target.

It wasn't a classic performance from Flamengo but a deserved win for a superior team although the Brazilians next face a far more difficult test as Chelsea await.