2 Wins Down, 1 More To Go

Liverpool 4 Porto 1
Torres 19, 78, Gerrard 83, Crouch 87 - Lopez 48

This man above is the one who still gave Liverpool hope when they were not far from elimination from the UEFA Champions League last night. His 2 goals were vital and since he has joined the club, he was scoring goals. That's what Liverpool is lacking of over these years. A striker who can just score, score and score. He's none other than Fernando Torres.

Liverpool faced Porto in the second must-win game at Anfield in which the home side needs to win all 3 remaining games to qualify. They have now won 2, left a tricky away trip to France, facing Marseillie, with former players Bolo Zenden and Dyrbil Cisse.



Liverpool started the match well and managed to score a goal early in the game. Fernando Torres rose high and headed into the goal. He made it look so simple, feigning off his marker and a powerful header into the goal.



However, somehow Porto managed to get back into the game. Despite Liverpool dominating the possession, Porto managed to equalise with a stunning header, totally against the run of play.

Since then, Liverpool struggled to dictate the play which they did earlier in the game. Instead, Porto had controlled the game and almost got a second not because of poor finishing.

Porto's defence was stubborn and Liverpool just couldn't break it. At that moment, a draw would be good enough for Porto to qualify for the knockout while Liverpool would be saying goodbye to Champions League football for the rest of the season.

I was getting worried as time passed quickly. Liverpool didn't have any clear cut chances and we seriously needed a goal. I couldn't see it coming from anyone else but Fernando. And yes, he didn't disappoint me, or I should say us.



Supersub Harry Kewell did very well on the flank, brought down the ball. His pass to Torres was not the best, but managed to get past the legs of the defender and the Spanish striker was too quick for any Porto men to catch him. His goal burst opened Anfield. All the anxiety and worries were all released at that point you saw Torres' strike went across the line.



Once we got the goal, Porto seemed shattered. Liverpool was growing in confidence and the goals kept coming. A freekick from Stevie was handled by Porto defender Stepanov after pressurised by Sami Hyypia. A penalty was given and up step Captain Stevie again who didn't make any mistakes from the spot.

Liverpool seems to be hungrier as the game coming to an end. Peter Crouch added the 4th for Liverpool in the dying minutes. A corner by Stevie again was well timely headed by Crouch into the goal while Porto goalkeeper was helpless coming off his line. It's nice to see him scoring for the Reds again. Even though he seemed to be on his way out of Anfield, I still do like him. :)



2 wins down now, 1 more to go. Rafa knows what's expected of him and I'll be behind him till the end. Keep it going lads!

You'll Never Walk Alone..

Kewell Final?

Soccernet reports..

The door has been opened for Harry Kewell to make a remarkable comeback in the Champions League final due to an unlucky training ground injury to Bolo Zenden.

Kewell has only just returned to action after a year out recovering from groin operations and boss Rafael Benitez - although happy with the Australian's progress - was sceptical that he would have enough match fitness under his belt to play the whole 90 minutes of the final.

But with Zenden's injury, the Spanish coach may have to seriously consider Kewell, or move full-back John Arne Riise into a midfield role with Alvaro Arbeloa coming in at left-back.

Benitez says: 'Bolo has injured his ankle. He's been treated by the doctor and the good news is the swelling is not that bad. We will need to see how it is after more checks. 'It will be difficult to say he will be fit for the final now, but I won't say no yet. He is strong and determined and it may recover quickly. I still hope he will be okay.

'It will be a big disappointment for him and for us if it's not possible. Bolo can bring character, experience and tactical knowledge to the team. 'He is one of the good options for the left side, but now we must see how he recovers and decide what to do.'


It's bad news for us as Zenden at this moiment s an important player for us. His experience can prove crucial at this stage of football. Nevertheless, I do hope that Rafa would pick the best team and would not make the same mistakes again in the first half of Istanbul. Everyone knows that Milan outplayed Liverpool during the first half before Rafa decides to change things in bringing Dietmar Hamman.

It's also a good chance for Kewell, Gonzalaez, Riise to work harder as they know the position is all up for grabs. Kewell is the best candidate at this moment with Riise playing behind him. However, he lack the fitness and he has not been playing competitive football for the past 11 months. Will it too much for him to take to play a Champions League final?

We'll wait and see..

You'll Never Walk Alone..