| World Player of the Week |
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| Corinthians |
2-0 | Boca Juniors |
Corinthians went into the second leg of their Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors with the chance to create history, and so they did - with a little help from Emerson Sheik.
The Timao had never won South America's most prestigious club competition, but Emerson's double in Sao Paulo changed that for the Brazilian giants.
The Brazilian-Qatari striker scored the opening goal after 54 minutes with a half-volley from close range and doubled Corinthians' lead on 72 minutes when he took advantage of a Rolando Schiavi's misplaced pass to give them a 3-1 aggregate victory over Boca.
That proved to be enough as Corinthians won their maiden Copa Libertadores title, with Emerson stealing the headlines. The 'naturalised' Qatari had already established himself as one of the record-breaking players in Brazil after winning three straight national championships with three different teams in May last year, and has now added this latest feather to his cap.
| Congratulations to Emerson Sheik, Goal.com's 164th World Player of the Week winner! |
Honourable Mentions
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Emmanuel Clottey - Berekum Chelsea The 24-year-old scored a hat-trick as Caf Champions League debutants Berekum Chelsea defeated Zamalek 3-2. Clottey is now the leading goalscorer in the competition with nine goals. |
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Jese Rodriguez - Spain U-19 The Real Madrid youngster scored a hat-trick against Portugal in Spain's 3-3 draw in Group A of the 2012 European Under-19 Championship to follow his strike against Greece in a 2-1 victory. |
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Alvaro Saborio - Real Salt Lake The Costa Rica forward found the target three times against Portland Timbers as Real Salt Lake won their MLS fixture 3-0. All of his goals came in the second half, with his last from the penalty spot. |
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On Sunday, we encouraged our readers to nominate their choices for the best player of the week.
A reader, who identified himself simply as Hnoody Jeddah, was one among few to back Corinthians' Emerson for the award.
"Emmanuel Clottey of Berekum Chelsea is the best candidate for this award. He scored a hat-trick over the weekend when his team came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Zamalek of Egypt in the Caf Champions League."
John in Texas pointed out that Robbie Keane's strikes for LA Galaxy were worthy of helping him win the World Player of the Week award.
"Robbie Keane should be recognised for scoring both goals against Chicago Fire, as LA Galaxy won 2-0 in their MLS game at the weekend. Keane had a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign with Ireland but he seems to be back to his true self."
Robert in Lille also cast his vote in favour of the Berekum Chelsea forward.
"Emmanuel Clottey certainly deserves the World Player of the Week award. In the Berekum Chelsea-Zamalek match, he scored a sensational hat-trick, helping his team to a 3-2 victory."
"I think that Emmanuel Clottey of Berekum Chelsea deserves the award. This is the first time Berekum are playing in the African Champions League and he already had scored two hat-tricks. At the weekend Clottey netted thrice against Zamalek of Egypt and is now the top scorer in the competition with nine goals."
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"Emerson of Corinthians scored two goals in the Copa Libertadores final and should be the number one choice for the World Player of the Week."