Torres and Gerrard get Liverpool rolling in Rotterdam’
Shanghai Shenhua 0 – 2 Liverpool – Port of Rotterdam Tournament – 3rd August 2007
Liverpool continued their pre season preparations with a comfortable two goal win over a disappointing Shanghai side in the opening game of the ‘Port of Rotterdam’ tournament. A goal in each half was enough to set the Reds on their way as Rafael Benitez’s side played their penultimate game match ahead of the big Premiership kick off.
Having splashed the cash in the off season in an attempt to drag themselves closer to Man Utd and Chelsea in the race for the title, the Reds fielded several of their new signing’s against the Chinese Super League side. Record purchase Fernando Torres took his place up front alongside Peter Crouch whilst three newcomers in Leto, Leiva and Benayoun joined Momo Sissoko in midfield.
The Mersey team began slowly but controlled a large amount of the possession during the opening exchanges. Despite the presence of the heighty Crouch, Liverpool looked to keep the ball on the floor and were denied a penalty when Torres seemed to be clipped by a defender, the referee however waved away their claims. The Reds continued to dominate and through Crouch and Sissoko had further opportunities to go in front.
Liverpool’s domination in possession soon told as a ball from Benayoun found Torres just onside and one on one with the goalkeeper, the classy Spanish striker instinctively clipped the ball over the keeper without hesitation to give his side the lead and score his first goal in club colours. The excellent link up between the two was extremely enjoyable for Liverpool fans who will be hoping to see more of the same from both players.
The half ended with Liverpool slackening off at the back and almost giving away an equaliser to their weak Chinese opponents. A misjudgement by Steve Finnan meant Martin rushing off his line to make a block from ex-Boro striker Hamilton Riccard just moments before the interval.
In the second half Bentiez made changes but the pattern of the game stayed the same as Liverpool continued to dominate in all areas. Expressing themselves by showing a willingness to work hard the young looking Anfield outfit made light work of their opposition by continuing to press for a second. Yossi Benayoun was again influential and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when incorrectly flagged offside by the linesman. The former West Ham player probably should have done better with another effort as he dawdled and allowed the Chinese sides defenders to recover.
Fresh impetus was injected into the game with the introduction of club captain Steven Gerrard and Dutchman Ryan Babel. While the former Ajax man showed his electric pace down the wing, Gerrard slotted into a central role and an immediate impact by scoring a delightful second goal. In a tight space on the edge of the area, Gerrard engineered some room in a way that only he can before curling the ball with his right foot into the top corner to make the game safe.
Former De Kuip favourite Dirk Kuyt was also given a run out by his manager replacing Fernando Torres just after the hour mark but he was unable to repay the supporters cheers with a goal whilst the subject of booing from Feyenord’s crowd Babel also came close to adding a third with a powerful shot which was saved at the near post.
Liverpool now move on to Sunday’s game with the hosts where they will be looking to finalise preparations for their game with Aston Villa in just over a week.
The Mersey team began slowly but controlled a large amount of the possession during the opening exchanges. Despite the presence of the heighty Crouch, Liverpool looked to keep the ball on the floor and were denied a penalty when Torres seemed to be clipped by a defender, the referee however waved away their claims. The Reds continued to dominate and through Crouch and Sissoko had further opportunities to go in front.
Liverpool’s domination in possession soon told as a ball from Benayoun found Torres just onside and one on one with the goalkeeper, the classy Spanish striker instinctively clipped the ball over the keeper without hesitation to give his side the lead and score his first goal in club colours. The excellent link up between the two was extremely enjoyable for Liverpool fans who will be hoping to see more of the same from both players.
The half ended with Liverpool slackening off at the back and almost giving away an equaliser to their weak Chinese opponents. A misjudgement by Steve Finnan meant Martin rushing off his line to make a block from ex-Boro striker Hamilton Riccard just moments before the interval.
In the second half Bentiez made changes but the pattern of the game stayed the same as Liverpool continued to dominate in all areas. Expressing themselves by showing a willingness to work hard the young looking Anfield outfit made light work of their opposition by continuing to press for a second. Yossi Benayoun was again influential and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when incorrectly flagged offside by the linesman. The former West Ham player probably should have done better with another effort as he dawdled and allowed the Chinese sides defenders to recover.
Fresh impetus was injected into the game with the introduction of club captain Steven Gerrard and Dutchman Ryan Babel. While the former Ajax man showed his electric pace down the wing, Gerrard slotted into a central role and an immediate impact by scoring a delightful second goal. In a tight space on the edge of the area, Gerrard engineered some room in a way that only he can before curling the ball with his right foot into the top corner to make the game safe.
Former De Kuip favourite Dirk Kuyt was also given a run out by his manager replacing Fernando Torres just after the hour mark but he was unable to repay the supporters cheers with a goal whilst the subject of booing from Feyenord’s crowd Babel also came close to adding a third with a powerful shot which was saved at the near post.
Liverpool now move on to Sunday’s game with the hosts where they will be looking to finalise preparations for their game with Aston Villa in just over a week.