Liverpool needed an injury-time winner to book their place in the Club World Cup final. Roberto Fimrino came off the bench to give the Reds a 2-1 win over Mexican side Monterrey.
“I don’t think it was possible to be a different way,” manager Jurgen Klopp said after the semi-final victory.
“The hard way we saw now with a couple of games here in this tournament and obviously each team is here to represent the country, the continent, whatever, and try everything to be successful.”
Liverpool collected their second piece of silverware of the season after lifting the Super Cup in August following another late Firmino goal.
Klopp revealed before the 1-0 win over Flamengo on Saturday that he hopes by winning the Club World Cup they can change the perception of the tournament.
“The view in Europe is different to the rest of the world [about its value] but we want to change that view,” he said.
“Liverpool fans want us to win – most of the other fans don’t really care.”
Club World Cup final prize money
Winning the Champions League in June saw Liverpool earn £16million (€19m).
Becoming European champions also presented the Reds with the opportunity to earn an extra £8m.
They took their first chance by collecting £4m from the penalty-shootout win over Chelsea in the Super Cup.
Klopp’s side take home another £4m after they can beat Flamengo in the Club World Cup final on Saturday.
The scheduling of the Club World Club clashed with the Reds’ Carabao Cup campaign, with Klopp leaving their quarter-final tie in the hands of the academy players.
They were beaten 5-0 by Aston Villa but the Liverpool boss has defended the decision to bring his first-team stars to Qatar.
Ahead of the clash against Liverpool, head coach Jorge Jesus said: “We can’t easily compare two good teams. Yes, Liverpool have a distinct history, especially in recent years.
“They’ve won many titles and they are one of the best clubs in the world. Klopp has been with the team for many years and has accomplished a lot with them, not only in the English league. They won the Champions League.
“So, Liverpool have left their mark in world football. When we compare Liverpool and Flamengo, we know Flamengo are enjoying an excellent year, especially this season.
“We won the Brazilian league title and the Copa Libertadores, so there are great similarities between Liverpool and Flamengo in terms of their international presence.”