Match Summary: HJK Helsinki 0-2 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - HJK Helsinki 0-2 Liverpool

Liverpool Goals: 27 Origi 73' & 10 Coutinho 78'.

HJK Helsinki Team: 1 Örlund (35 Sahlgren HT); 15 Peiponen (2 Lehtinen 85'), 6 Heikkila, 3 Boah (4 Ojala 58'), 11 Lampi (16 Moren HT); 13 Kolehmainen (91 Maissi 71'), 28 Schüler (26 Malola HT); 99 Kandji (8 Savage 80'), 10 Atom (20 Klinga HT), 22 Mandy (7 Lingman 71'); 18 Jallow (14 Havenger 71'). 4-2-3-1

Subs not used: Sauramea, 27 Sorsa, Alho, 80 Zemeli.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 2 Clyne, 37 Skrtel, 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez (57 Maguire 81'); 14 Henderson, 10 Coutinho (68 Chirivella 81'), 7 Milner; 33 Ibe, 20 Lallana, 28 Ings (27 Origi 63'). 4-3-3

Subs not used: GK Fulton, 40 Kent, 60 Allan.

HJK Helsinki-Liverpool Match Stats: 1st & 2nd half

Attempts: 1-6 & 1-5

On target: 0-2 & 1-4

Offside: 0-2 & 0-0

Goal kicks: 5-1 & 4-0

Corners: 2-5 & 0-4

Throws: 9-9 & 1-3

Free kicks: 4-8 & 6-2

Bookings: 0-0

My ByTheMinLFC Tweets:

- Phil Coutinho starts & new man Allan Rodriguez De Souza is sub (line-ups)

- Hey everyone! Sonjahaha here to cover all the HJK Helsinki v Liverpool action, a couple of min left till kick-off... XxXxX

- And the home side have kicked off... Helsinki playing to the right, Liverpool to the left... Win a throw straight away...

2' Liverpool won the ball back straight away but don't do much with it, they give away another throw-in... 0-0

5' 1st free kick to Liverpool after Atom & Kolehmainen both take on Milner... Henderson ends that attack with a shot right into gk Örlund.

6' a couple of corners to the home side, no real threat though yet... Both sides still finding their way... 0-0

8' Coutinho takes 1st LFC corner short, deflected to another corner; Skrtel attempt ends in another corner; Ibe puts it out for a goal kick.

11' Helsinki with a promising build-up from the right, nr 15 Paiponen dpes well, but sees ball blocked away in the box, disappointing, 0-0

14' Ibe from right, gets denied well by the hosts' left-back, Liverpool keep the ball, press back from the left... Lallana shot into gk, 0-0

16' Ibe with a shot from the right this time, into the side-netting. More promising build-ups from the Reds... But still 0-0.

18' Lallana rolls the ball into keeper Örlund's gloves again, keeping him busy but not much challenged, 0-0

19' free kick to the Reds in their own half, near the mid-circle, not much else produced from it worth describing... 0-0

- Halfway through the half Helsinki can be happy with a lot of possession, Liverpool with more chances but not much close, 0-0.

24' Helsinki win a free kick just outside the mid-circle in Liverpool's half, again not much from it, more a comfy kick about here, 0-0

26' Ings a bit over-enthusiastic there, gives away a fk, but the Reds counter quickly, Ibe on the right again, brought down by Schüller, 0-0

28' Ings heads the free kick high, shame, 0-0

29' Very quiet ground, a bit of applause here & there, Helsinki give the ball away again after a longer comfy spell, 0-0

30' Milner sees promising ball deflected out for a throw-in, keeper Örlund ends with the ball, all too comfortable. Again. 0-0

31' Kandji all over Gomez, concedes a free kick, Coutinho takes the ball well to Milner whose shot is easy to collect for Örlund again. 0-0

33' Kandji brings down Lallana this time, closer to the box, Milner short to Henderson on the left, pass blocked, HJK did well there, 0-0

34' Gomez pressing from the left again, a bit of ping pong, LFC keep it, try to press, but end up giving it away, 0-0

35' ball doesn't stay long with Helsinki & their nr 11 Lampi gives away a free kick on the right again; Henderson back to Milner, shot...

-... deflected/blocked out for a goal-kick, still 0-0

37' Helsinki with a rare counter, don't last long, blocked back to LFC who come from preferred right again, Ings runs but sees it out, 0-0

39' Liverpool look the hungrier but not really dangerous, Helsinki comfortable & confident so far, 0-0

5min to go till the break, LFC with a throw-in on the right, Coutinho whit a shot from outside the box, deflected, corner, nice one, 0-0

- another LFC corner taken by Coutinho, blocked, Lallana pass from left, blocked, ball away, 0-0

- Last seconds, Coutinho wins a free kick against Heikkila but it's quickly lost in the boy & that's the HT whistle 0-0, fine, that's it.

- HJK v LFC HT 0-0 my stats: attempts: 1-6, on target 0-2, offside 0-2, throws 9-9, free kicks 4-8, corners 2-5, goalkicks 5-1; both too comfy

- Well then, here we go, Liverpool kick off the second half, unchanged, 3 changes for Helsinki I think I heard; 11 Lampi replaced by 16 'Moren...

- Helsinki 35 Sahlgren comes on for nr 1 keeper Örlund & I think I overheard 26 Malolo on for 28 Schüller... Lallana shot soft to gk, 0-0.

- Yep, just confirmed these three HT changes for Helsinki plus one more, 20 Klinga on for 10 Atom... See next retweet... Still 0-0 meanwhile...

52' Clyne wins free kick for LFC near the centre circle, ends nowhere, goal kick, still quiet 0-0, Helsinki keep the ball, back kickabout

54' LFC & Ibe stubborn from the right, not letting Helsinki go, that's for sure, but not getting close atm, 0-0 & home side get ball back

56' and that was the first ball Mignolet had to collect!!! And he didn't muck it up! #relief 0-0

57' LFC corner to Lallana who whacks the ball towards goal but just high, corner from it, not much... Another corner eventually... 0-0

58' another change for Helsinki nr 15 (no name shown in French TV) replaces nr 3 Boah & a couple of minutes later another chance goes...

... begging for Liverpool, Coutinho I think the man looking most frustrated at the moment... Next to Ibe... And Lallana... And LFC, 0-0

63' first sub for Liverpool nr 27 Origi replacing 28 Ings, see if that'll break the deadlock! He gives away a free kick straight away, 0-0

- Hahaha, French telly just replaying all the frustrated faces & reactions by the players, definitely fits the general feeling! 0-0

66' and first time the French commentators get loud Lallanaaaa strong shot just about gloved out for a corner by Sahlgren, close one, 0-0

67' Liverpool corner comes to nothing, Helsinki win a free kick, comes to nothing, mirroring the whole match = nothing 0-0

70' Ibe pressing and pressing again, wins a corner, he's the only light I have seen today in this dark, trist display; corner, away, 0-0

- Looks like Ojala was the last sub on nr 4 not 15 whilst Helsinki make more changes... Check next retweet... Just under 20min to go... GOAL!

- Liverpool take the lead, nice advance by Ibe from the right again, ball ends at sub Origi's feet, who makes no mistake, 0-1 to the Reds!

- There ye go! My retweets confirm the last Helsinki substitutions & Liverpool's goal, all in Finnish! AAAAAND GOAOAOALLLL! 0-2!!!!!

- Coutinho's right foot doubles the lead for the Reds after a nice one-two build-up off a Lallana corner. Finally they've woken (us) up! 0-2

80' And another Helsinki change (I've lost count): 8 Savage on for 99 Kandji; and a couple of Liverpool changes coming up...

81' 57 Maguire & 68 Chirivella come on for 12 Gomez & 10 Coutinho & replacing two happier players with that! 0-2

- Helsinki change, 2 Lehtinen replaces 15 Peiponen; the right nr 15 this time... I know, exactly what you thought! 0-2 with 5ish min to go

- Liverpool kicking the ball around comfortably now, now they can, couple min to go, 2-0 up thank to sub Origi & Coutinho, feel better now!

90' another promising free kick for Liverpool, skipper Henderson takes it, low smacker just wide, keeper went for it, still 0-2, 3min added.

- can see the Liverpool fans singing loud, not much sound on the French channel though... And that's FT 0-2

- Liverpool win a frustrating match, 0-2 in Helsinki, tanks to Origi 73rd & Coutinho 78th min, waking up an otherwise quite dull game.

- HJK v LFC FT 0-2 stats: attempts: 2-11, on target 1-6, offside 0-2, throws 10-12, free kicks 10-10, corners 2-9, goal kicks 9-1.

- So, LFC's stubbornness more than quality paid off & they leave Helsinki 0-2 victors. That's all from me Sonjahaha, till next time #YNWA XxXxX

To read more of my tweets follow me on twitter => @Sonjahaha

For all the latest sports news & action tweets check out => @ByTheMinSport

For all the latest LFC news & action tweets check out => @ByTheMinLFC

Match Report: Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool's final outing on their summer tour, across four cities in three countries, ended up being a very physical but disappointing 1-1 draw against Malaysia XI, at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The travellers missed plenty of chances and showed the same old weaknesses at the back, that cost them dearly often enough last season.

Brendan Rodgers' men had enjoyed a successful tour so far, recording three out of three victories, scoring eight goals in the process.

However, MSL All Stars took the lead after just 13 minutes, thanks to Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh.

The striker took great control, before converting a beauty from about 20 yards away, with the outside of his right foot, Liverpool just watching.

15 minutes later, Jordan Ibe levelled the score for the Reds with a great individual goal.

The youngster seemed to be the only Red player to have turned up in the first half.

Attacking from the right, he sent a nice left-foot shot from the edge of the box into the back of the net, to make it 1-1.

The Reds did enjoy most of the possession and created more chances, most ending nowhere, frustrating to watch.

Dejan Lovren missed and messed up plenty of chances, at the front, middle and back of the field.

Adam Lallana and Divock Origi didn't form much of an attacking duo, not getting into gear until later on in the second half, where not much went on target either.

Keeper Adam Bogdan can be much happier with his display, keeping solid till the end to avoid defeat, as did Khairul Azhan Khalid for the opposition.

Apart from the two fine strikes, the two keepers had most to shout and be chuffed about of both teams.

Malaysia XI Goals: 12:22min 4 Patrick Ronaldinho.

Liverpool Goals: 27:33min 33 Ibe.

Malaysia XI Team: 1 Khairul; 16 Zubir (21 Nazirul Naim Che Hashim 78'), 5 Bikana, 3 Thiago, 13 Razman (6 Yong Kuong Yong 83'), 18 Joseph (11 Syamim Yahya 81'), 20 Nasir (booked 58', 7 Baddrol Bakhtier 73'),19 Azamuddin (9 Norshahrul Idlan 44'); 8 Zah Rahan (2 Afif Amiruddin 79'); 10 Chad (12 S. Kumaahran 85'), 4 Patrick Ronaldinho (14 Christie Yaya Seelan 70'). 4-3-1-2
Subs not used: 28 Zamir Selamat.

Liverpool Team: 34 Bogdan; 2 Clyne (50 Markovic 80'), 37 Skrtel, 6 Lovren, 18 Moreno (57 Maguire 80'); 14 Henderson, 21 Lucas (46 Rossiter 73'), 7 Milner (68 Chirivelle 90'), 33 Ibe; 20 Lallana, 27 Origi (54 Ojo 73'). 4-4-2
Subs not used: 22 Mignolet, Fulton, 4 Toure, 17 Sakho, 9 Lambert, 12 Gomez, 24 Allen, 28 Ings, 40 Kent, 47 Wisdom, 53 Teixeira, 56 Wilson, 58 Cleary.

Malaysia XI-Liverpool
Match Stats: 1st half & 2nd half
Attempts: 2-5 & 4-7
On target: 2-3 & 1-3
Offsides: 0-0 & 0-0
Goalkicks: 3-0 & 7-2
Corners: 0-5 & 2-2
Throws-in: 3-9 & 6-5
Free kicks: 2-4 & 5-3
Bookings: 1-0
Possession: 29%-71% (36')

Referee: Nagor Amir Noror Mohamed

Match Report: Liverpool Victorious Down Under

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Match Report:

Liverpool finished their pre-season encounter against Melbourne Victory on top, ending 2-0 winners thanks to skipper Steven Gerrard and Iago Aspas.

The result was tough on the young Melbourne side though, especially for the skipper Adrian Leijer after all his hard work at the back, but it was a comfortable win for the Reds in the end thanks to a little bit of magic by none-other than Gerrard and Luis Suarez's help!

The first chance on target fell to the Australian side after Jose Enrique's mistake gave the ball away to Andrew Nabbout who pulled a fine save out of Brad Jones.

However, just past the half-hour mark, the Red skipper got the breakthrough in the centre of the box, with a nice run, nice placement and comfortable finish off Fabio Borini.

Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling were producing a fine display, creating some good build-ups and unpredictable play for the young Melbourne side. The Reds seemed to have everything under control approaching half time.

Both teams made no changes during the break and Liverpool enjoyed a flurry of corners at the start of the second half where Borini sprung to life with a couple of glorious chances, including an over-head kick which went wide, just.

Brendan Rodgers then rang the changes with just under 20 minutes to go, putting on a fresh Red side to keep the Aussies on their toes.

Melbourne Victory were keeping up the pressure too though with just one goal separating the two sides and can be very proud of their performance. Liverpool saw plenty of chances, all blocked by some stubborn defending from skipper Leijer with under 10 minutes to go.

Just a couple of minutes injury time were added on with Liverpool dominating in possession, comfortably. A free kick from left outside the box was cleared easily. With all eyes on Suarez, the controversial Uruguayan eventually created a golden chance.

Aussie keeper Nathan Coe's save led to another Red corner, which was taken short by Stewart Downing, to Suarez who dunk the ball onwards and saw it turned in by Aspas to double the visitors' lead seconds before the final whistle was blown.

The question is, will the trouble maker still be wearing the Red number seven by the end of August? For now, all we know is that he has added his bit to a Red victory once again. 

MVFC Team: 1 Coe; 4 Ansell, 23 Leijer (c), 24 Galloway, 30 Geria; 6 Broxham, 14 Celeski, 17 Jeggo; 13 Nabbout (17 Stella - 83rd), 19 Pain, 22 Makarounas (27 Cristaldo - 86th).
Coaches: Ange Postecoglou & Kevin Muscat

LFC Team: 1 Jones (22 Mignolet - 72nd); 2 Johnson (34 Kelly - 72nd), 37 Skrtel (16 Coates - 72nd), 47 Wisdom (5 Agger - 72nd), 3 Enrique (38 Flanagan - 72nd); 8 Gerrard (c) (21 Lucas - 63rd), 24 Allen (19 Downing - 72nd), 14 Henderson (6 Alberto - 72nd), 44 Ibe (9 Aspas - 72nd), 31 Sterling (7 Suarez - 72nd); 29 Borini (Spearing - 72nd).
Subs not used: 49 Robinson, 11 Assaidi.
Kolo Toure is out with tight calf & Philippe Coutinho with a training ground knock, neither are thought to be serious.

1st & 2nd half stats:
MVFC v LFC:
Attempts: 1-11 & 1-6
On target: 1-5 & 1-2
Offsides: 1-1 & 0-1
Corners: 0-3 & 3-6
Free kicks: 0-0 & 2-4

Referee: Jumpi Iida
Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard
At the MCG

MVFC v LFC: Match Summary

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Match Notes:

1st half notes:
 
MVFC kick off the game at the MCG.

20th minute: 1st chance on target falls to MVFC, Enrique's mistake, gives ball away to Nabbout who pulls a fine save out of Jones.

21st: Gerrard shot deflected & saved by Coe. The tempo has certainly gone up after a slow, comfortable start.

31:01min and the star skipper gets the breakthrough in the centre of the box, nice run, nice placement, comfy finish off Borini, 0-1.

Ibe & Sterling are producing a fine display, creating some good build-ups, unpredictable for the young MVFC side. LFC seem to have more control now, approaching half time.

LFC finish the half on top, enjoying more chances & a one-goal lead thanks to skipper Steven Gerrard. The young Melbourne side are holding on & making a fine match of it though. More to come of the second half, I'm sure.

-----

2nd half notes:

LFC kick off the second half at the MCG, no changes have been made by either side.

A flurry of corners for LFC at the start of this half. Suarez is warming up...

50th: A Johnson block leads to MVFC's first corner, blocked out by Jones, leads to another corner for the young Australian side, which is headed over by Geria.

56th: Pain pulls a corner out of Skrtel, headed away by Gerrard at the near-post. Changes are imminent...

60th: Borini hits a fine chance straight at keeper Coe, swift counter by MVFC, saved by Jones. They are certainly making a match of this!

62nd: Spectacular over-head-kick by Borini goes wide.

63rd: 1st LFC substitution: 21 Lucas on for 8 Gerrard.

64th: 1st free kick for LFC, ends in a high shot, nowhere near by Sterling. A line of players are warming up for LFC.

72nd: 2nd LFC substitution(s): 1 Jones  is replaced by 22 Mignolet, 2 Johnson by 34 Kelly, 37 Skrtel by 16 Coates, 47 Wisdom by 5 Agger, 3 Enrique by 38 Flanagan, 24 Allen by 19 Downing, 14 Henderson by 6 Alberto, 44 Ibe by 9 Aspas, 31 Sterling by the much anticipated 7 Suarez and 29 Borini by Spearing.

75th: Downing takes a corner, straight to the keeper.

MVFC are keeping up the pressure, just one goal separating the two sides. They can be very proud of their performance here. LFC see plenty of chances blocked, great defending by skipper Leijer with under 10 minutes to go.

83rd: 1st change for MVFC: 17 Stella on for 13 Nabbott.

86th: 2nd change for MVFC: 27 Cristaldo on for 22 Makarounas.

2 minutes added on: LFC enjoying & dominating in possession, comfortably. A free kick from left outside the box is cleared easily, all eyes on Suarez, not much to reports. Coe's save leads to another LFC corner, which is taken short by Downing, to Suarez who dinks the ball onwards and sees it turned in by Aspas, 2-0. Tough on MVFC, especially for the skipper Leijer after all his hard work, but it is a comfortable win for LFC in the end thanks to a little bit of magic by none-other than Gerrard & Suarez!

-----

MVFC: 1 Coe; 4 Ansell, 23 Leijer (c), 24 Galloway, 30 Geria; 6 Broxham, 14 Celeski, 17 Jeggo; 13 Nabbout (17 Stella - 83rd), 19 Pain, 22 Makarounas (27 Cristaldo - 86th).
Coaches: Ange Postecoglou & Kevin Muscat

LFC Team: 1 Jones (22 Mignolet - 72nd); 2 Johnson (34 Kelly - 72nd), 37 Skrtel (16 Coates - 72nd), 47 Wisdom (5 Agger - 72nd), 3 Enrique (38 Flanagan - 72nd); 8 Gerrard (c) (21 Lucas - 63rd), 24 Allen (19 Downing - 72nd), 14 Henderson (6 Alberto - 72nd), 44 Ibe (9 Aspas - 72nd), 31 Sterling (7 Suarez - 72nd); 29 Borini (Spearing - 72nd).
Subs not used: 49 Robinson, 11 Assaidi.
Kolo Toure is out with tight calf & Philippe Coutinho with a training ground knock, neither are thought to be serious.

1st & 2nd half stats:
MVFC v LFC:
Attempts: 1-11 & 1-6
On target: 1-5 & 1-2
Offsides: 1-1 & 0-1
Corners: 0-3 & 3-6
Free kicks: 0-0 & 2-4

Referee: Jumpi Iida
At the MCG

MVFC v LFC: 1st Half Summary

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - 1st Half Notes:

MVFC kick off the game at the MCG.

20th minute: 1st chance on target falls to MVFC, Enrique's mistake, gives ball away to Nabbout who pulls a fine save out of Jones.

21st: Gerrard shot deflected & saved by Coe.

The tempo has certainly gone up after a slow, comfortable start.

31:01min and the star skipper gets the breakthrough in the centre of the box, nice run, nice placement, comfy finish off Borini, 0-1.

Ibe & Sterling are producing a fine display, creating some good buildups, unpredictable for the young MVFC side. LFC seem to have more control now, approaching half time.

LFC finish the half on top, enjoying more chances & a one-goal lead thanks to skipper Steven Gerrard. The young Melbourne side are holding on & making a fine match of it though. More to come of the second half, I'm sure.

MVFC: 1 Coe; 4 Ansell, 23 Leijer (c), 24 Galloway, 30 Geria; 6 Broxham, 14 Celeski, 17 Jeggo; 13 Nabbout, 19 Pain, 22 Makarounas.
Coaches: Ange Postecoglou & Kevin Muscat

LFC Team: 1 Jones; 2 Johnson, 37 Skrtel, 47 Wisdom, 3 Enrique; 8 Gerrard (c), 24 Allen, 14 Henderson, 44 Ibe, 31 Sterling; 29 Borini.
Subs: 22 Mignolet, 34 Kelly, 16 Coates, 5 Agger, 38 Flanagan, - Spearing, 21 Lucas, 19 Downing, 6 Alberto, 9 Aspas, 7 Suarez, 49 Robinson, 11 Assaidi.
Kolo Toure is out with tight calf & Philippe Coutinho with a training ground knock, neither are thought to be serious.

1st half stats:
MVFC v LFC:
Attempts: 1-11
On target: 1-5
Offsides: 1-1
Corners: 0-3
Free kicks: 0-0

Referee: Jumpi Iida
At the MCG

Liverpool end pre-season on a 3-1 high

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly

Liverpool 3:1 Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool completed their season preparations in style, beating German opposition Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 at Anfield, keeping new manager Brendan Rodgers' home record 100% successful with two wins out of two games.

Raheem Sterling curled in a beauty of a shot just a couple of minutes into the match, a magnificent right-footed curl-shot into the corner of the net after cutting in nicely. A gold-medal start for the young winger and the Reds.

The home side continued dominating the field and possession and doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark thanks to Lucas Leiva's tap in connecting to a give-away by Luis Suarez after Leverkusen's defence just fell asleep.

So, the Reds took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break and the visitors did not form much of a thret at the start of the second half either, the game noticeably slowing down as a consequence.

On 65, Andy Carroll saw his left-footed drive skiddle past the goalkeeper Bernd Leno's leghs, the German keeper not happy with letting that one in but it was clever play by Charlie Adam leading up to the goal plus one happy Carroll to be on the scoresheet and underline his will to stay in the side that lead Liverpool ahead 3-0.

Leverkusen's number 18 Sidney Sam hit a rocket left-footer, diagonal from outside the box, past Pepe Reina, to make it 3-1, no chance for the Spanish keeper. But Super Sam's strike was just a consolation goal for Sami Hyypiä's men, the last quarter of an hour passing ny with the home side in comfortable control and neither goalkeeper being challenged.

This was a nice win for Rodgers' Reds, a good note to end the pre-season and see more names on the scoreboard. All eyes are now on the remaining weeks of the transfer window and kick-off to the new Premier League season next weekend.
I hope and think the Reds are just warming up on both notes!

Liverpool 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen (HT 2-0) at Anfield

Liverpool Goals: 1: 2:08 min Raheem Sterling (31), 2: 28:54 min Lucas Leiva (21), 3: 64:51 min Andy Carroll (9).

Leverkusen Goals: 1: 74:54 min Sidney Sam (18).

Liverpool 1st half: 25 Reina; 3 Enrique, 10 Coates, 23 Carragher, 34 Kelly; 33 Shelvey, 21 Lucas, 8 Gerrard (c), 19 Downing, 31 Sterling; 7 Suarez. 4-5-1
2nd half Subs: All HT: ON: 9 Carroll, 14 Henderson, 20 Spearing, 26 Adam, 49 Robinson. OFF:  7, 19, 21, 8, 3.
Subs not used: 1 Jones.

Leverkusen 1st half: 1 Leno; 24 Kadlec, 3 Reinartz, 4 Wollscheid, 2 Schwaab; 8 Bender, 6 Rolfes (c), 21 Toprak; 38 Bellarabi, 9 Schurrle, 11 Kießling. 4-3-3
2nd half Subs: HT: ON: 5 Friedrich, 14 Hosogai, 18 Sam, 27 Castro. OFF: 21, 9, 38, 24. 68.: ON: 13 Hegeler, 20 Carvajal. OFF:  8, 2. 70.: ON: 7 Fernandes. OFF: 11.
Subs not used: 23 Carlinhos, 22 Yelldell.

1st & 2nd half stats: Liverpool-Leverkusen
Attempts: 4-5 & 5-3
On target: 2-1 & 1-1
Offsides: 0-0 & 1-0
Corners: 1-1 & 1-3
Free kicks: 1-1 & 5-1
Possession: 66%-34% (23.)
Passing Stats: Reina 55 (Accuracy 80%) => his best since 40 v Aston Villa (A) last season, Sterling 19 (94.74%), Coates 64 (96.9%), Kelly 61 (90.2%), Shelvey 59 (84.8%), Carragher 77 (94.8%); 1st half: Downing 34 (85.29%), Suarez 12 (75%), Enrique 21 (80.95%), Gerrard 32 (87.5%), Lucas 46 (91.3%); 2nd half: Carroll 6 (66.7%), Adam 23 (87%), Robinson 30 (94.59%), Henderson 37 (97.3%). 1st half: Coates 29 (100%), Lucas 46 (91.3%).
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Liverpool start summer tour with a draw

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Liverpool 1:1 Toronto

Liverpool came away from their first pre-season warm-up match against Toronto with a draw thanks to Adam Morgan's fine finish off Raheem Sterling's brilliant provider's touch and cross.

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers chose a young line-up for his first match with the Reds, giving 23 players a run out on Saturday night. Toronto were just as experimental, giving their main players a rest midst a very competitive week and season in Canada.

It was a good, competitive match-up, an entertaining display by the youngsters with some nice one-twos. The visitors dominated the game and possession, but it was LFC's Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones who had to make the first clear save of the game off TFC striker Ryan Johnson.

The Reds showed some good build-up, Daniel Pacheco especially frustrating the Canadians' back line with some nice tango steps and play. Youngstes Jordan Ibe and Andre Wisdom also impressed with some confident and encouraging moves. But the first half ended goalless.

The second half saw two new elevens lined up and the game picked up in pace. The home side took the lead after Red keeper Peter Gulacsi spilled Andrew Wiedeman's shot and left Toronto's striker Quincy Amarikwa with an easy slot-in. But Liverpool kept up the pace and just over ten minutes later equalised.

Much-criticised Joe Cole missed some sitters late on, but all in all Liverpool and Rodgers can be satisfied with their youngsters first run out and display of the summer.

Liverpool 1-1 Toronto (0-0) - Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada

Liverpool Goals: 1: 68:24min Adam Morgan (50)

Toronto Goals: 1: 57:52min Quincy Amarikwa (18)

Liverpool 1st half: 1 Jones; 3 Enrique, 23 Carragher (c), 45 Sama, 47 Wisdom; 44 Ibe, 26 Adam, 18 Aquilani, 20 Spearing; 12 Pacheco, 36 Eccleston. 4-4-2
2nd half: 42 Gulacsi; 49 Robinson, 22 Wilson, 37 Skrtel, 38 Flanagan; 51 Adorjan (21 Leiva 74.), 33 Shelvey, 30 Suso, 10 Cole, 31 Sterling; 50 Morgan. 4-5-1

Toronto 1st half: 41 Hall; 5 Morgan (38 Pasher 28.), 2 Emory, 27 Eckersley, 4 Henry; 8 Avila, 23 Dunfield, 22 Frings (c), 19 Lambe; 11 Silva, 9 Johnson. 4-4-2
2nd half: 40 Roberts; 38 Pasher, 20 Harden, 31 Williams (bkd 87), 34 Galle; 33 Camargo (16 Cordon 79.), 21 Maund, 15 Stinson, 36 Janniere (13 Makubuya 77.); 18 Amarikwa (35 Sciacchitano 84.), 32 Wiedeman. 4-4-2

1st & 2nd half stats: Liverpool-Toronto
Attempts: 3-2 & 8-6
On target: 1-1 & 3-2
Offsides: 0-0 & 1-0
Corners: 2-1 & 4-2
Free kicks: 4-5 & 5-5
Possession: 75%-25% (32.) & 70%-30% (FT)
Passes completed: 660-277

Liverpool's lacklustre display ends in 3:0 defeat

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Galatasaray 3:0 Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish opted for the youngsters for the pre-season friendly at Galatasaray's new ground in Istanbul, including John Flanagan, Martin Kelly, Jack Robinson and Jonjo Shelvey at the Turk Telekom Arena.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos captained the side with a more experienced attacking partnership of Andy Carroll and Joe Cole at the front. New signings Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson were rested ahead of Monday's trip to Norway for the friendly match against Valerenga.

With only 30 seconds on the clock, former Red forward Milan Baros stabbed one wide from inside the box, showing the intent was there and he was not just there for a friendly kickabout.

The early pressure and dominance payed off for the home side on eight minutes when the Czech striker netted a fine, low right-wing cross from 12 yards, unmarked, making the defenders pay for their poor marking and leaving him too much space.

And Galatasaray doubled their lead four minutes before the break, when Baros found loads of space again at the back post to head in a near-post flick at a corner from close range.

Liverpool did not have much else to shout about in the first half, with hardly any possession or chances of their own, Shelvey putting one wide being the closest and only attempt worth a note.

King Kenny introduced Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani after the break, as well as Brad Jones, and there were signs of some improvement in the early stages of the second half when Carroll's header was stopped by substitute Ufuk Ceylan.

But whoever thought the game would pick up for the Reds would have soon been disappointed, with not much more action or chances to talk or cheer about and most of the action in the centre of the field.

Although Liverpool's display was much better than in the first half, Galatasary's shine certainly left them in the second half and neither side really capitalised or took control, making it a rather lacklustre match and watch.

Late on, Ceylan blocked another Carroll attempt but former Bolton striker Johan Elmander made sure the victory and cheers went to his side when he smashed a stunner from the edge of the box into the back of the net to make it 3:0 and a nice all round win for Galatasaray.

This defeat makes it a mixed pre-season for Liverpool, the preparation going from good to bad to worse with two thrashing wins and two crashing defeats. Dalglish has two weeks left until the new season starts and to get a better idea of what and who works together and what and who not. The last two matches certainly give an idea to the latter.

Galatasaray: Ercetin; Cetin, Zan, Sarioglu, Ujfalusi; Turan, Melo, Kazim-Richards, Inan; Baros (scored 8 & 40), Balta (booked). Substitutes: Ceylan (46), Birinci (66), Elmander (66, scored 83), Stancu (75), Kaya (90). Subs not used: Gulselam, Yilmaz, Akman, Culio, Kurtulus, Dilaver.

Liverpool: Doni; Insua, Flanagan, Kyrgiakos, Kelly; Robinson, Degen (booked), Shelvey (booked), Poulsen; Cole, Carroll. Substitutes: Aquilani (46) Jones (46), Kuyt (46), Spearing (69, booked), Sanchez Ayala (70), Wisdom (82), Coady (82).

Liverpool see another flurry of goals in Asia

Sports - Football - Pre-Season-Friendly - Malaysia XI 3:6 Liverpool

Liverpool enjoyed a mixed game against the Malaysia XI, enjoying most of the possession and goals, but not without some scares, twists and turns.

Nine goals meant good entertainment again, although most of them were thanks to some clumsy defending, the Reds most certainly getting the season warm-up, training, workout and preparation they were looking for.

Liverpool opened the scoring thanks to a soft penalty after Andy Carroll went down a bit too easily in front of Mahali Jasuli with the littlest of little contact made.

But the spot kick was given and Charlie Adam netted both the first take and the retake to give him his first goal for the Reds.

The visitors kept dominating play and possession until they were stunned shortly before half time, just like in their first friendly against Guangdong FC, by a sweet right-footed free kick by the Malaysian skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim into the right corner of the net, to make it 1-1 at half time, no chance for the goalkeeper to stop it.

The second half was clumsier, Liverpool bringing on a whole new 11 again, both sides leaving big gaps, leaving plenty of space for David Ngog and Maxi Rodriguez to net two each on the one side of the pitch and super-sub Mohd Safel Mohd Sali to net two on the other side, all of them all too easily with all the space in the world.

Red Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt blasted in a nice Alberto Aquilani cross to make it 3-6 and put the icing on a very sweet, action-packed cake just before the full-time whistle.

Again, everyone contributed, gave their best, maybe trying to squeeze in a little too much, a little bit too hard which made play very spacey and chaotic at times, but it was still a good watch and a good chance to see everyone.

Aquilani impressed me late on with his contributions, good crosses, a little bit more daring and risky play but good creating and taking of chances which makes it the more questionable and interesting whether he will be added to the summer sales list or not.... The number 99 on his shirt may be too much of a giveaway though...

Malaysia XI: Ramli; Mahali Jasuli (booked 26), Putra, Mohd Shas, Ahmad (booked 21, Ismail 73); Bakhtiar, Rohidan (Sali 77, scored 79 & 82), Rahim (scored 42, Faruqi 63), Subramaniam; Yahya (Ramian 39), Shaarani (Saad 63).

Subs not used: Che Mat, Nasril Nourdin, Ashari, Muslin Ahmed, Remeli, Haidi Zainal, Suppiah, Shamsuddin, Shaari, Rizal Fahmi.

Liverpool: Jones (Gulacsi 46, Hansen 70); Robinson (Insua 46), Agger (Wilson 46), Carragher (Kyrgiakos 46), Flanagan (Kelly 46); Adam (scored pen. 26, Aquilani 46), Coady (Kuyt 46, scored 94), Spearing (Poulsen 46), Meireles (Maxi 46, scored 75 & 91), Cole (Shelvey 46); Carroll (Ngog 46, scored 69 & 70).

Subs not used: Pacheco, Wisdom.

1st & 2nd half stats:

Malaysia XI-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-7 & 6-9
On target: 3-4 & 3-6
Offsides: 0-2 & 0-1
Corners: 1-1 & 1-1
Free kick: 6-5 & 1-4
Possession: 32%-68% (10)

My man of the match: Alberto Aquilani

Pre-Season Friendly, match summary: Malaysia XI 3-6 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season-Friendly - Malaysia XI 3:6 Liverpool

Liverpool enjoyed a mixed game against the Malaysia XI, enjoying most of the possession and goals, but not without some scares, twists and turns. Nine goals meant good entertainment again, although most of them were thanks to some clumsy defending, the Reds most certainly getting the season warm-up, training, workout and preparation they were looking for with David Ngog and Maxi Rodriguez netting two each, Dirk Kuyt contributing with one and Charlie Adam getting his first thanks to a penalty. Full match report soon to follow...

Text commentary of the game (min):

- (1) Liverpool kick off the first half.

- (3) First couple of minutes the visitors enjoy most possession, press forward but attack disolves in the box.

- (4) First free kick goes to Liverpool, from the left wide outside the box, Charlie Adam with the delivery, comes around but is eventually smashed away by the defence.

- (6) Foul by Joe Cole on nr 3 defender Mohd Shas, free kick to Malaysia XI.

- (8) Andy Carrol misjudges role of the ball and plays it out on the right, slightly unfortunate, slightly runs it over.

- (11) Possession all Liverpool the first ten minutes: Malaysia XI 32%-68% Liverpool.

- (11) Carroll's shot off Adam's nice diagonal cross is punched away brilliantly by the Malaysian goalkeeper Ramli, good jump to his left, and he also blocks Meireles's follow up shot nicely.

- (12) Free kick to Liverpool, Carroll fouled from 25 yards.

- (13) Adam can't get the depth on the ball, free kick curls high and wide.

- (14) Free kick to Liverpool, nothing from it.

- (17) Joe Cole shoots with his left, softest of soft shots, easy stop for goalkeeper.

- (18) Joe Cole is offside in the box, didn't time his run, a bit over-enthusiastic there.

- (20) John Flanagan gives away a free kick not too far from the halfway line, long ball ends up out, goal kick for Brad Jones.

- (21) Free kick to Liverpool, Adam caught late by Ahmad, the nr 2 is the first name in the book.

- (25) PENALTY to Liverpool, Carroll has gone down, controversy, the Malaysia XI is not happy with that decision, the nr 4 Mahali Jasuli is the one behind Carroll who goes down a bit too easy. There is an arm out, littlest of little contact, but spot kick is given.

- (26) Penalty netted by Adam but has to be retaken, Adam nets the second even better, more confident with his left into the left corner, goalkeeper wrongsided, soft penalty gives Liverpool the lead. Malaysia XI 0:1 Liverpool. Mahali Jasuli is booked for his troubles.

- (29) First corner for the home side, easy pick up for Australian goalkeeper Jones.

- (33) Good dominance by Liverpool, strong defending and header out by Mohd Shas leads to Liverpool's first corner, the ball eventually hit wide by Raul Meireles, clumsy, could and should have made more of that.

- (37) Foul by Adam on nr 23, free kick to Malaysia XI, ends up in Jones' arms without much pressure.

- (38) Meireles going close, good stop by the Malaysian goalkeeper.

- (39) Malaysia XI change: Izzaq Faris Ramian on for Abdul Hadi Yahya.

- (42) Free kick to the home side, just outside the goal, belter, Jones beaten, 1:1. Fantastic free kick by skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim, right footer into the right corner, no chance for the goalkeeper.

- (47) Another free kick taken by Rahim, headed wide by Bakhtiar.

- (48) Free kick put high over goal by skipper Rahim.

HALF TIME. MALAYSIA XI 1:1 LIVERPOOL

- (46) Second half kicks off with whole new Liverpool XI.

- (51) Liverpool dominate start of the second half, in control, had a couple of chances, Dirk Kuyt drilling a free kick against the wall before David Ngog put one wide after racing clear of the defence.

- (52) Jonjo Shelvey puts one wide.

- (59) Christian Poulsen gives away a free kick, produces a corner, Malaysian skipper takes command but comes to nothing, the Reds clear the danger.

- (63) Two substitutions for the home side, Shahrizal Saad comes on for Fakri Shaarani and skipper Safiq Rahim makes room for Ismail Faruqi.

- (65) Kuyt crosses to Aquilani, who cannot reach it for Ngog to eventually puts a volley wide.

- (69) Simple tap in for David Ngog after the defence fell asleep and let Insuas low cross through, too easy, 1:2.

- (70) Ngog nets another one, this time a strong right foot into the back of the net from just inside the box, although he had all the space in the world to do it, good pass by Alberto Aquilani, 1:3.

- (73) Another substitution for the homside, Farisham Ismail comes on for Muslim Ahmad.

- (75) Aquilani opens up back four, good ball across, easy again to net for Maxi Rodriguez, easy dig in to make it 1:4.

- (77) Decent stop by the Liverpool goalkeeper, outstretched to his right. Another substitution for the home side, Mohd Safee Mohd Sali on for Amar Rohidan.

- (79) Martin Hansen will not be happy, spills one out for sub Sali to net it easy, 2:4.

- (80) Another one for Sali, Liverpool all over place, losing it late on like in the last friendly, the sub races through and scores his second, 3:4.

- (86) The home side attacking, pressing for an equaliser, the goalkeeper Hansen not showing himself from his strong side here, Liverpool ending this game very shakey.

- (89) Game calming down now, Liverpool back in possession, comfortable.

- (91) Rodriguez heads another one in, that settles it, good ball into the box by Aquilani, four yards out, 3:5. Four minutes added on though...

- (94) Aquilani tries a shot from far, goalkeeper had to stop that one, not bad, seconds later Dirk Kuyt blasts an Aquilani cross right in there, goalkeeper has no chance, 3:6.

FULL TIME. MALAYSIA XI 3:6 LIVERPOOL

Malaysia XI: Ramli; Mahali Jasuli (booked 26), Putra, Mohd Shas, Ahmad (booked 21, Ismail 73); Bakhtiar, Rohidan (Sali 77, scored 79 & 82), Rahim (scored 42, Faruqi 63), Subramaniam; Yahya (Ramian 39), Shaarani (Saad 63).
Subs not used: Che Mat, Nasril Nourdin, Ashari, Muslin Ahmed, Remeli, Haidi Zainal, Suppiah, Shamsuddin, Shaari, Rizal Fahmi.

Liverpool: Jones (Gulacsi 46, Hansen 70); Robinson (Insua 46), Agger (Wilson 46), Carragher (Kyrgiakos 46), Flanagan (Kelly 46); Adam (scored pen. 26, Aquilani 46), Coady (Kuyt 46, scored 94), Spearing (Poulsen 46), Meireles (Maxi 46, scored 75 & 91), Cole (Shelvey 46); Carroll (Ngog 46, scored 69 & 70).
Subs not used: Pacheco, Wisdom.

1st & 2nd half stats:
Malaysia XI-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-7 & 6-9
On target: 3-4 & 3-6
Offsides: 0-2 & 0-1
Corners: 1-1 & 1-1
Free kick: 6-5 & 1-4
Possession: 32%-68% (10)

Pre-Season Friendly, 1st half summary: Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season-Friendly - Malaysia XI 1:1 Liverpool

Liverpool enjoyed a mixed half against the Malaysia, enjoying most of the possession and dominating the opposition's area, going ahead on a penalty thanks to Charlie Adam, to then be stunned shortly before half time by a cracker of a free kick by the Malaysian skipper Mohd Rafiq Rahim to take his side to half time at 1:1, all level with Liverpool.

Text commentary of the first half (min):

- (1) Liverpool kick off the first half.

- (3) First couple of minutes the visitors enjoy most possession, press forward but attack disolves in the box.

- (4) First free kick goes to Liverpool, from the left wide outside the box, Charlie Adam with the delivery, comes around but is eventually smashed away by the defence.

- (6) Foul by Joe Cole on nr 3 defender Mohd Shas, free kick to Malaysia XI.

- (8) Andy Carrol misjudges role of the ball and plays it out on the right, slightly unfortunate, slightly runs it over.

- (11) Possession all Liverpool the first ten minutes: Malaysia XI 32%-68% Liverpool.

- (11) Carroll's shot off Adam's nice diagonal cross is punched away brilliantly by the Malaysian goalkeeper Ramli, good jump to his left, and he also blocks Meireles's follow up shot nicely.

- (12) Free kick to Liverpool, Carroll fouled from 25 yards.

- (13) Adam can't get the depth on the ball, free kick curls high and wide.

- (14) Free kick to Liverpool, nothing from it.

- (17) Joe Cole shoots with his left, softest of soft shots, easy stop for goalkeeper.

- (18) Joe Cole is offside in the box, didn't time his run, a bit over-enthusiastic there.

- (20) John Flanagan gives away a free kick not too far from the halfway line, long ball ends up out, goal kick for Brad Jones.

- (21) Free kick to Liverpool, Adam caught late by Ahmad, the nr 2 is the first name in the book.

- (25) PENALTY to Liverpool, Carroll has gone down, controversy, the Malaysia XI is not happy with that decision, the nr 4 Mahali Jasuli is the one behind Carroll who goes down a bit too easy. There is an arm out, littlest of little contact, but spot kick is given.

- (26) Penalty netted by Adam but has to be retaken, Adam nets the second even better, more confident with his left into the left corner, goalkeeper wrongsided, soft penalty gives Liverpool the lead. Malaysia XI 0:1 Liverpool. Mahali Jasuli is booked for his troubles.

- (29) First corner for the home side, easy pick up for Australian goalkeeper Jones.

- (33) Good dominance by Liverpool, strong defending and header out by Mohd Shas leads to Liverpool's first corner, the ball eventually hit wide by Raul Meireles, clumsy, could and should have made more of that.

- (37) Foul by Adam on nr 23, free kick to Malaysia XI, ends up in Jones' arms without much pressure.

- (38) Meireles going close, good stop by the Malaysian goalkeeper.

- (39) Malaysia XI change: Izzaq Faris Ramian on for Abdul Hadi Yahya.

- (42) Free kick to the home side, just outside the goal, belter, Jones beaten, 1:1. Fantastic free kick by skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim, right footer into the right corner, no chance for the goal keeper.

- (47) Another free kick taken by Rahim, headed wide by Bakhtiar.

- (48) Free kick put high over goal by skipper Rahim.

HALF TIME. MALAYSIA XI 1:1 LIVERPOOL

Malaysia XI: Ramli; Mahali Jasuli (booked 26), Putra, Mohd Shas, Ahmad (booked 21); Bakhtiar, Rohidan, Rahim (scored 42), Subramaniam; Yahya (Ramian 39), Saarani.
Subs not used: Che Mat, Nasril Nourdin, Ashari, Mohd Sali, Muslin Ahmed, Remeli, Haidi Zainal, Suppiah, Shamsuddin, Shaari, Ismail, Rizal Fahmi.

Liverpool: Jones; Robinson, Agger, Carragher, Flanagan; Adam (scored pen. 26), Coady, Spearing, Meireles, Cole; Carroll.
Subs not used: Gulacsi, Hansen, Maxi, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Kuyt, Wilson, Ngog, Poulsen, Shelvey, Kelly, Wisdom, Aquilani, Insua.

1st half stats:
Malaysia XI-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-7
On target: 3-4
Offsides: 0-2
Corners: 1-1
Free kick: 6-5
Possession: 32%-68% (10)

The Reds see 7 goals in first warm-up game

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - GFC 3:4 LFC

Liverpool kicked off their pre-season Asia tour in fine and entertaining fashion against Guangdong Sunray Cave FC, netting four thanks to Christian Poulsen, David Ngog, debutant Conor Coady and Andy Carroll, but also conceding three through Columbian forward Ricardo Steer, Lu Lin and Yin Hongbo.

It was a less temperamental, more well-spirited affair, with no real tackles flying around nor pressure on the ball, more a kick-about with some nice one-twos, team work as well as individual sparks with most of the action happening in the middle.

After Danny Wilson put Daniel Pacheco's corner wide earlier on, Poulsen tapped in Joe Cole's cross from the edge of the box to give the Reds an easy, comfortable lead.

90 seconds later, Ngog doubled the lead finishing off a sublime through-ball from Poulsen, lovely timing, splitting the defence to give the striker a simple slide through.

Guangdong had the last laugh of the half though, with Lu Lin giving Steer a lovely ball into the box which the Columbian headed in thankfully to make it 1:2 at half time.

The Reds put on a new 11 for the second half, including new signing Charlie Adam, which seemed to be less organised, especially at the back, but was still able to keep possession and dominance.

The crunch of the game didn't come until halfway through the second half, the subs finally clicking and creating, Coady netting a belter off Carroll's pass, a great goal for the debutant youngster, a good knock with a confident look.

Carroll got off the mark himself soon after thanks to the lack of defence and his change of pace, to make it 1:4 from close range.

However, the homeside, like for the whole of the match, would not lay low and count themselves out as defeated and netted two goals in the last three minutes.

Lu Lin was scorer and provider curling a sweet shot into the right corner of the net after cutting the ball in past two defenders, and, 90ish seconds later, passing the ball from the left edge of the box for Hongbo to make another remarkable finish, from the left to the right foot and into the right corner of the net again.

It was a sweet and juicy end to the game for the Chinese side, less sweet for the Reds, but a good opportunity to check out the click of the old and new, the first half side working out better than the second, but neither lacking in effort. Good to watch and nice to see, looking forward to the next test against the Malaysia All-Stars XI.

Guangdong FC: Li Zhihai; Ge Zhen, Awal (Binliang 57), Ricardo Steer (Yu Jianfeng 83), Li Jian (Lui Sheng 69); Yin Hongbo, Zhu Lang (Shi Liang 66), Lu Lin, Yu Yongzhe (Hou Yu 57); Song Chao, Diakite.

Sub not used: Li Weijun, Long, Pan Jia, Lui Xi, Peihao, Zuquing.

Liverpool: 1st half side: Gulacsi; Flanagan, Wilson, Carragher, Kelly; Shelvey, Spearing, Poulsen, Cole, Ngog; Pacheco.

2nd half side: Jones (Hansen 70); Robinson, Aquilani, Wisdom, Coady; Adam, Agger, Kyrgiakos; Kuyt, Carroll, Maxi.

1st & 2nd half stats:
Guangdong FC-Liverpool
Attempts: 3-5 & 3-6
On target: 3-3 & 2-3
Offsides: 1-2 & 0-1
Corners: 3-3 & 1-2
Free kicks: 3-0 & 1-0

My man of the match: Lu Lin

Pre-Season Friendly Match Report: Singapore 0-5 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Singapore 0:5 Liverpool

Liverpool impressed with their first pre-season win, with plenty of goals, smiles and cheers against Singapore.

The Asian side approached and tackled the Reds everything else but softly, giving away many free kicks but letting nothing and nobody through too easily. It took a touch an deflection off their defender Daniel Bennett to take Andriy Voronin's shot away and past the goalkeeper Hassan Sunny just before half time.

David Ngog impressed with busy and lively play and interacting well, with Daniel Agger pushing fine from left-back, Voronin and Javier Mascherano always ready to connect but finding it hard to break through into the box.

The second half saw only a few changes, three for Liverpool, the Reds keeping on dominating most of the play and possession. Mascherano's cross from right outside the box was chested and netted with a confident left-footed drill by Albert Riera making it 2-0.

With just under half an hour to go, Rafael Benítez made a bulk of changes (seven) which livened up play immensely and entertainingly. With a hat-trick of assists, Dirk Kuyt livened up the crowd, match and scoreboard - Spanish striker Fernando Torres causing the loudest screams and cheers when he netted the ball and Hungarian youngster Krisztian Nemeth pressing and impressing with two goals, one with the right and one header just in front of goal, having an easy job after the breakthrough and unselfish work by his Dutch team mate.

This was a much better display and blend in the match and from the team. They will return from Asia much happier and confident compared to the couple of matches before, having gotten the scoreboard ticking and the team clicking.

Singapore Sunny (75 Lewis); Rahman, Khaizan, Bennett, Jantan (67 Esah); Jiayi (65 Muhamed), Fahrudin (86 nr 26), Harun, Ishak (56 Qiuli); Shah (52 Sahdan); Duric (46 Casmir). Bookings 37 Rahman.

Liverpool Cavalieri (46 Gulacsi, 77 Reina); Degen (62 Spearing), San José (46 Insua), Carragher (62 Kelly), Agger (77 Alonso); Benayoun (62 Torres), Lucas (62 Kuyt), Mascherano (62 Pacheco), Babel (46 Riera, 77 Dossena); Ngog (62 Nemeth), Voronin (62 Plessis).

1st half stats: Singapore-Liverpool
Attempts: 1-7
On target: 1-2
Offsides: 1-2
Corners: 0-5
Free kicks: 4-12

2nd half stats: Singapore-Liverpool
Attempts: 4-12
On target: 0-7
Offsides: 0-0
Corners: 2-4
Free kicks: 0-3

Referee: Abdul Malik Bashir