Making their inaugural appearance at a FIFA Club World Cup, Brazil's SC Internacional entered the competition at the semi-final stage, where they were given a real run for their money by Egypt's Al Ahly Sporting Club. A goal from youngster Alexandre Pato put Internacional in front, but the African side fought back strongly and levelled through Angolan striker Flavio. In the 71st minute Luiz Adriano fired what would prove to be the winning goal.

In the final, the team from Porto Alegre came face-to-face with UEFA Champions League winners FC Barcelona. With a star-studded line-up that included the likes of Ronaldinho and Portugal playmaker Deco, the Spanish side were favourites to land the title. Internacional had other ideas, however, and with eight minutes to go, Adriano grabbed the goal that marked the Brazilian club's finest hour.

The star player
Key to Internacional's success has been the inspirational form of captain Fernando Lucio da Costa. The 28-year-old forward, known simply as Fernandao, began his professional career at Goias in 1999, before signing for French side Olympique Marseille two years later. After two seasons there, he moved on to Toulouse, before eventually returning to Brazil to join Internacional in 2004. Strong in the air, he is also renowned for his ability to make things happen with his back to goal - something he says he learned during his time in Europe.

Fernandao hit five goals for Internacional in their triumphant Copa Libertadores campaign, including one in the home leg of the final against Sao Paulo, picking up the tournament's top player and top scorer awards for his efforts. Now, he hopes his showing at the FIFA Club World Cup will help him to even greater heights, saying: "I still have one goal outstanding. I've always dreamed of playing for the national side one day."

The coach
Internacional's Copa Libertadores win was also a milestone in the career of coach Abel Braga, representing as it did his first major title. The 54-year-old had spells in charge of a host of Brazilian and Portuguese teams before moving to Inter, where his achievements in 2006 will surely earn him the freedom of Porto Alegre. Braga has the reputation of being a coach with a personal touch who likes to forge close relationships with his players. Indeed, more than one has spoken of him in terms of a father figure, who is not beyond shedding a tear with them on occasion.

17 December 2006 in Yokohama
Sport Club Internacional - FC Barcelona 1:0 (0:0)
Attendance: 67128
Goal: Adriano (82)
Internacional: Clemer, Ceara, Indio, Fabiano Eller, Wellington Monteiro, Alex (Fabian Vargas 46) Edinho, Fernandao (Adriano 76), Iarley, Alexandre Pato (Luiz Adriano 61), Rubens Cardoso
Coach: Abel Braga.
FC Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Motta (Xavi 59), Rafael Marquez, Carlos Puyol, Eidur Gudjohnsen (Ezquerro 88), Ludovic Giuly, Ronaldinho, Gianluca Zambrotta (Belletti 46), Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Deco, Iniesta.
Coach: Frank Rijkaard
Player of the Tournament: Deco