Chelsea 2-0 Club America: Blues end tour with impressive win

Florent Malouda capped an excellent display by helping Chelsea to a last gasp victory to end their US tour on a winning note.

Malouda's cross set up Argentinian substitute Franco Di Santo who struck a 76th minute opener to ensure they won the World Football Challenge.

French international Malouda then capitalised after Di Santo's cross was deflected and fired home from close range two minutes later.

Carlo Ancelotti rang the changes, resting the big guns like John John Terry and Frank Lampard to start with a largely second string and young team.

Sam Hutchinson, Michael Mancienne and Scott Sinclair were all given rare starts. Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou started up front while Ricardo Carvalho wore the captain's armband.

But there was only thing catching the eye at the new $1.15billion Cowboys Stadium - the incredible big screen which hangs from the roof over the centre of the pitch.

That alone cost $40m, measures 53 x 24 yards, is the biggest LCD screen in the world and uses 30 million light bulbs. So much for global warming!

The stadium is enclosed by a roof and has air conditioning on the pitch which is lucky as temperatures were over 90 degrees when the game kicked-off at 6pm local time.

It was Chelsea's final game of the US tour, having beaten both Milan clubs and Seattle Sounders before facing the most famous team in Mexico.

Despite being under-strength, Chelsea looked sharp, started well and should have been ahead after just seven minutes when Sinclair's cross set up Sturridge but the 19-year-old missed a sitter.

Club Mexico could also have scored but Enrique Esqueda fired wide from the edge of the box after 23 minutes following a mix-up between Kalou and Mancienne.

Chelsea went close again when Malouda's free kick found Kalou and the Ivory Coast striker's close range header was brilliantly pushed onto the post by Club America keeper Armando Navarrete.

Club America pressed Chelsea back in the second half until two goals in two minutes won the match for Ancelotti's men and gave them four wins out of four, three coming in the World Football Challenge tournament.

Half time substitute Di Santo does not score enough goals from the bench but even he could not miss from Malouda's 76th minute cross as the Argentinian striker stabbed home from close range.

Di Santo then returned the favour as his deflected cross fell to Malouda who swept home from close range to cap another good display from the French winger.

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Hilario

Started ahead of Ross Turnbull which was a surprise. Hilario made some decent saves as Club America's movement troubled Chelsea.

Rating: 7

Michael Mancienne

Played at right back and did OK. Deserves a chance soon at his more favourite position in the heart of defence.

Rating: 7

Ricardo Carvalho

Carvalho definitely back in favour as he was given captain's armband. I'm biased and a big fan, but did well.

Rating: 7

Alex

The Brazilian looks a big unit and wasn't very mobile against Club America's pace and movement.

Rating: 6

Sam Hutchinson

Had a decent game at left back, although spent most of his time defending with little chance to get forward.

Rating: 6

Michael Essien

Anchored the midfield to good effect even if he's only just started pre-season. Always running.

Rating: 6

Florent Malouda

Did well down the left and got into some decent positions. Provided a couple of good set pieces and scored which made him my man of the match.

Rating: 8

Scott Sinclair

Played on the right and his running caused problems. Looks to have big potential.

Rating: 6

Deco

Played further forward in the Lampard role in midfield. Didn't get on the ball enough and was disappointing.

Rating: 5

Salomon Kalou

Can be a bit of a headless chicken at times and didn't carry enough threat up front. Had one header brilliantly saved.

Rating: 6

Daniel Sturridge

Missed an early sitter in a game when he got very few chances. Disappointing after his good start to the tour.

Rating: 5

SUBSTITUTES

Ross Turnbull, for Hilario, 46 mins

Looked a bit shaky and didn't command his box very well.

Rating: 6

Franco Di Santo, for Sinclair, 46 mins

Scored and helped set up another Kalou. Bit quiet otherwise.

Rating: 6

Andriy Shevchenko, for Sturridge, 46 mins

Looks a pale shadow of the striker who once ruled Europe.

Rating: 5

Claudio Pizarro, for Kalou, 64 mins

Looks out of his depth.

Rating: 5

Ashley Cole, for Hutchinson, 67 mins

Solid workout.

Rating: 6

Branislav Ivanovic, for Mancienne, 67 mins

Was rarely tested.

Rating: 6

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