Zhirkov scores game-winner at first Chelsea appearance

After goals by Drogba and Seedorf, Zhirkov slotted home with 20 minutes to go to hand Chelsea the victory. Chelsea fired two close-range kicks at goaltender Zeljko Kalac before Zhirkov’s attempt landed in the left corner of the net.

Fifty-year-old Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had joined the Pensioners from Milan this summer, said after the game that Zhirkov’s blistering performance wasn’t a surprise for him.

The game was held at the home stadium of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens to a sellout crowd of 71,203 spectators.

The World Football Challenge is a four-team round robin. Chelsea has also beaten Inter Milan, while AC Milan has lost to Club America.