great
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The great escape is completed. Magnificent win for Liverpool. They're through to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages round of 16. The opposition they'll be able to draw is a little tough, as they finished second to FC Porto in group A, such as Sevilla, Internazionale, A.C. Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid. But I won't go there, and just enjoy the moment.
A lucky draw against FC Porto on Portugese soil was seen as a good result, as it was away from home, but after Marseille gunned down Liverpool at Anfield, things started looking gloomy for Liverpool. It looked further unlikely Liverpool were not going to make it for the first time in four years after they were outplayed against Besiktas JK in Turkey, losing 2-1. They needed to win all three to secure a spot in their final three games. I remember that commentator when the Reds played Besiktas saying at the end of the match.
"And Liverpool are bottom of Group A with 1 point"
That really
sucked. So Liverpool hosted Besiktas in the home leg, and duly avenged their defeat and thrashed the Turkish side 8-0. One-third of the job done. Liverpool had much tougher opposition in the form of Porto at Anfield again. But they prevailed 4-1 after a late charge with the score at 1-1. Everything boiled down to the last game, yesterday's one. Liverpool could draw, but needed Besiktas to win Porto, that didn't happen, but the Reds prevailed 4-0 winners.
Liverpool really dominated the game yesterday, even though the percentage possession were in favour of the French. Superb closing down, slick passing, great movement, good defending, and most of all, great offensive attitude. Rafa Benitez's tactical prowess shown through last night, showing what he can do with the owners onlooking. Magnificent win for Liverpool, confidence is high again as they host arch-rivals Manchester United next.
Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher were just rocks in the defense, throwing their bodies at every shot and every cross. Javier Mascherano was protecting the defence well. Steven Gerrard's passing, movement, defense and offensive bombardments were top class, earning that penalty. Harry Kewell looked back to fitness, great touches, flicks and movement. Dirk Kuyt ran his socks off, defended from the front superbly. And Fernando Torres, played well, ran down the channels superbly, great changes of pace, and superb finishing. Nothing better could have been asked for.
Next up Manchester United, who can rest their first-teamers tomorrow morning,
Damn!
I hate it when people say they were poor opposition in the form of Porto, Besiktas and Marseille. Liverpool played well to make them look poor.
Bye~!
my thoughts at 12:50 pm