PORTSMOUTH 2 LIVERPOOL 1
 | Portsmouth 2 Liverpool 1 | Apr 30, '07 10:02 AM for group thisisanfield |
| Category: | Other |
Reds keeper Jerzy Dudek’s misjudgement allowed Benjani Mwaruwari to chip over him and nod in for Pompey’s opener.
Niko Kranjcar chested down a long ball and finished with aplomb as Pompey went further ahead before Boudewijn Zenden’s shot hit the crossbar for Liverpool.
Sami Hyypia headed in as the Reds fought back but some stubborn defending helped Pompey to victory.
Pompey keeper and ex-Liverpool stopper David James had received an award before kick-off for recently breaking the Premiership clean sheet record.
James was also the unlikely catalyst in helping Pompey take the lead and livening up a dour affair. He started a counter-attack which ended with Gary O’Neil’s curled effort tipped round the post by Dudek. James again launched a long kick which Dudek flapped at on the edge of his area and Mwaruwari pounced to put his side ahead.
Kranjcar, who had come on for Matthew Taylor, was left in acres of space as he chested down a long diagonal Lauren ball and slotted into the far corner with the outside of his right foot.
The Reds clearly had their eyes on the Champions League semi-final, second leg against Chelsea on Tuesday and the replacement were found wanting.
Liverpool had only a Zenden half-volley, which rattled the crossbar, to show for their efforts in the first half.Pompey had a chance to put the game out of reach after the break but Dudek saved well from Mwaruwari from a tight angle.
The visitors had more intent about them in the second half and were rewarded when Hyypia headed in a Robbie Fowler corner.
Pompey were forced on to the backfoot and two last-ditch tackles from Glen Johnson on Craig Bellamy proved crucial.
Hyypia, scathing of some of his Liverpool teammates, said: "This was a chance for those who are not playing regularly but there were a lot who didn't play in the first half. I haven't been in the team regularly, so it was a chance to show I still belong in the club.
"I was very fired up but it only takes a few people not being up for it from the start, then you don't play well.
"I'm sure the boys back home enjoyed their rest. Now they will be fired up for Tuesday.
"Yes, we can score two goals against Chelsea. If we can create the same atmosphere that was there when we last played Chelsea in the semi-final then we have a good chance to win and give something back to the fans.
"Then they can come and support us in Athens."
- Liverpool: Dudek, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Paletta, Insua, Sissoko (El Zhar 83), Alonso, Zenden, Gonzalez (Pennant 67), Fowler, Bellamy.
- Subs Not Used: Padelli, Kuyt, Hobbs.
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