Liverpool kept their 100% record in pre-season with a 3-1 win over South China in the Barclays Asia trophy in Hong Kong earlier today.
John Arne Riise and Daniel Agger both scored another pre-season goal with a Xabi Alonso penalty sandwiched between the two defenders goals.
Both Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel however were unable to take part as they have not yet been cleared to play in a tournament for the reds. This was an obvious disappointment to the Hong Kong reds but the win ensures the reds will now take part in a Final on Friday and not a third place play-off, and hopefully international clearance will have been granted for that game.
Jamie Carragher captained the reds, in the absence of Steven Gerrard due to a minor stomach injury, and Harry Kewell took part – a surprise as the player only recently joined the reds squad after being knocked out of the Asia Cup with Australia.
It was within the first 10 minutes that the reds took the lead. John Arne Riise. Free kick. You know the type.
Andriy Voronin was causing the Asian side all sorts of problems, and was fouled in the penalty area mid-way through the first half. Xabi Alonso slotted the ball home from the spot.
The Hong Kong FA Cup winners were not about to roll over and die just yet – their captain Li Haiqiang smashing in a long range free kick which left Scott Carson bewildered.
Whether it was the humidity or the jet-lag, but South China controlled most of the game despite the reds 2-1 advantage but by the time Agger smashed home a left footed goal with 15 minutes left – Liverpool had turned the tables and the scoreline could have been more decisive in Liverpool’s favour.
Team
Liverpool: Carson (Martin 83); Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Riise; Benayoun (Finnan 65), Alonso (Threlfall 74), Sissoko (Hyypia 72), Kewell (Pennant 55); Voronin, Crouch (Kuyt 55)
Attendance: 36,801
Weather: Hot and sticky!
Videos of the goals
– Click here for the Pre-Season Goalscoring Stats