30.07.2002 - Match Report: Liverpool 0-1 Lazio
A capacity crowd at Anfield witnessed Liverpool's first pre-season game at home for nearly two years, as Lazio went away with a 1-0 win.
Despite the score though, Liverpool, were the better side for most of the game, and new signings Bruno Cheyrou and El Hadji Diouf put in excellent performances on their first appearances in their new home ground. Cheyrou in particular demonstrated some delightful footwork, and the Frenchman looked a more than capable replacement for Gerrard in the centre of midfield.
Lazio began the first half looking the brighter side, and a couple of counter attacks resulted in early chances falling to Hernan Crespo, but the £36million man failed to trouble Dudek.
On five minutes, Liverpool carved out a chance of their own, and Bruno Cheyrou saw his effort tipped over the bar by Luca Marchegianni who was at full stretch.
Diouf, Owen and Hamann all saw opportunities of their own fail to cause Lazio any problems before another fierce shot by Cheyrou forced the 'keeper to make a save.
Bernarde Diomede looked lively during the closing stages of the first half, and a couple of good crosses were well dealt with by the Lazio keeper, with no Liverpool players tall enough to really challenge the former Italian number one.
But Lazio went into the break with a one goal advantage, with the goal scored by Rodriguez Cesar, who struck a close range shot into the near side of Jerzy Dudek's goal.
Liverpool came out strong in the second half and with a few fresh faces, they looked determined not to lose the game. Stephane Henchoz, still yet to open his Liverpool goalscoring account, fired a low shot from 30 yards out, but Marchegianni was unlikely to be beaten from such a distance.
Milan Baros, Neil Mellor and Patrick Berger all came on with enough time to make an impression on the game. Baros' almost made an immediate impact on the game with an overhead kick from a cross played in from the right hand side, but his shot was off target.
Baros also went close a few minutes later, and after rounding the keeper, the Czech striker looked certain to score his second pre-season goal but as he shaped to shoot, he was taken down by Fernando Couto. Loud penalty appeals echoed around the ground, but despite the protests of the players, the referee awarded a corner kick, claiming that the challenge was a fair one.
Stephen Wright replaced Sami Hyypia late on, and although Liverpool were unable to rescue the game, the performance will certainly have pleased the manager and with three more friendly games plus the Community Shield before the season starts, the game will be looked upon as valuable preparation for the new season.
VIEW EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM THIS MATCH!
Teams:
Liverpool: Dudek, Babbel (Xavier), Hyypia (Wright), Traore (Henchoz), Riise (Vignal), Diomede, Cheyrou (Mellor), Hamann (Barmby), Smicer (Murphy), Owen (Baros), Diouf (Berger).
Lazio: Marchegiani, Cesar, Stankovic, Lopez, Crespo, Pancaro, Favalli, Fiore, Couto, Liverani, Stam.
Subs used: Oddo, Negro, Baronio, Giannichedda, Gottardi, Inzaghi, Colonese, Nesta.
|
