Estudiantes have qualified for the Club World Cup final after defeating eight-man Pohang Steelers on Tuesday. The Argentines started the better of the sides and went very close to opening the scoring when Mauro Boselli’s bicycle kick came back off the post after a weak clearance by the goalkeeper.

It was the athletic Boselli who came close again, seeing his diving header bounce wide on 19 minutes after finding some space.

The South Korean outfit had been on the back foot, but nearly hit back as a set piece was floated in the area and was misjudged by goalkeeper Damian Albil, but Jae Won Hwang’s effort was off target. Not long after, Jung Kim’s long range strike was straight at Albil.

On the stroke of half-time, The South Americans took the lead. Leandro Benitez floated a free-kick to the far post and a wide open Boselli did not get a touch, but the ball nestled into the back of the net regardless.

The Asian outfit came out of the tunnel looking for an equaliser, but after a few half-chances were hit on the counter. Enzo Perez beat goalkeeper Hwa-Yong Shin to a cross, flicking it across goal, and Benitez pounced for his second of the match.

It was all coming apart for Pohang Steeler’s as they were reduced to ten men on 55 minutes. Jae Won Hwang earned a second booking for a foul in midfield.

Denilson cut the lead in half with a volley, despite seemingly being in an offside position with 20 minutes to go.

However, just as things were looking up for the South Korean representatives, they were reduced to nine men. Kim Jae Yong was sent off after a second yellow card for a foul on Juan Sebastian Veron.

Amazingly, referee Roberto Rosetti issued another red card as goalkeeper Shin handled the ball outside the area. Pohang Steelers were down to eight men and goal scorer Denilson took a turn in goal in a very interesting match.

Estudiantes ended the action by hitting the post through right-back Clemente Rodriguez, who had made an overlapping run into the area. Thus, they will go on to face the winner of Barcelona – Atlante in the final on Saturday.