Liverpool players were in action all around the globe yesterday in a day filled with World Cup qualifiers.
England were involved in a friendly, beating Slovenia 2-1 at Wembley. Steven Gerrard played the first half only, during which time he fired the cross which led to Rooney’s penalty and almost scored a goal himself. Glen Johnson played for the full game and while giving plenty of attacking impetus, allowed the cross which led to Slovenia’s consolation goal.
Another friendly game saw Holland take on Japan, a game in which they won 3-0. Dirk Kuyt started the game but didn’t register his name on the scoresheet. Ryan Babel who was drafted in to the squad at the last minute, was an unused substitute.
But back to the more important qualifying games…
Brazil beat arch rivals Argentina 3-1 in a game which means Brazil have qualified and leaves Argentina facing a real battle now to qualify for the World Cup. Javier Mascherano, the Argentinian captain picked up a yellow card, whilst Lucas was an unused substitute for Brazil.
Ukraine beat World Cup whipping boys Andorra 5-0. Andriy Voronin played for an hour in the game but wasn’t one of Ukraine’s goalscorers.
Martin Skrtel played for the full game for Slovakia against Czech Republic. The game ended 2-2 with former red Milan Baros coming off the bench to score for the Czech’s.
New face around Anfield, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, also put in a full appearance for Greece, but they lost 2-0 away at Switzerland. The Greek’s play a 3-4-3 formation – and Kyrgiakos also picked up a yellow card in the game.
Yossi Benayoun featured for Israel in their 1-0 home defeat against Latvia. Benayoun played in central midfield for the game.
Anybody else? Oh that’s right – Spain! Fernando Torres started the game in which the Spaniards thumped Belgium 5-0. Nando was replaced on 66 minutes by fellow red Albert Riera. Pepe Reina was an unused substitute. David Silva and David Villa both grabbed themselves two goals.
More World Cup qualifiers take place this midweek.
