The glow of Liverpool offers something for everyone, writes Richard Earle
LIVERPOOL is a club steeped in working class roots but it leaves a golden afterglow wherever it goes for purists and L-plate observers alike.
LIVERPOOL is a club steeped in working class roots but it leaves a golden afterglow wherever it goes for purists and L-plate observers alike.
There’s something for everyone when Liverpool and the rich tapestry of global soccer comes to town, even on a Monday night with an Antarctic chill.
The true believers among the 53,008 fans at Adelaide Oval would have appreciated the inherent class of Adam Lallana and acceleration of Manchester City-bound Raheem Sterling’s natural successor Jordon Ibe.
Reds recruits Danny Ings and James Millner will also fly out today, satisfied by scoring in a 2-0 win as manager Brendan Rodgers turns his attention to the August 8 Premier League opener against Stoke City.
Rodgers’ side was supposed to crush Josep Gombau’s humble Adelaide side with all the routine of a Ferry Cross the Mersey. However the visitors took their time against an opponent that gave La Liga side Villarreal an almighty scare in May. Free transfer gem Milner’s 67th-minute goal had a touch of controversy, appearing to be off-side. However this was an exhibition game and the fans had come from far and wide to see the original Reds score. There was no doubt about forward Ings’ 88th-minute strike — proving fairytales tales still exist in the EPL after an off-season move from unfashionable Burnley.
Liverpool had converged on Adelaide Oval with a 130 travelling ensemble, 17 subs and 31 in total on the bench. Finally, the full force of the English glamour side was on display.
Liverpool had retrieved a goal deficit to vanquish Brisbane 2-1 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday and didn’t want to play catch-up in the final instalment of its Australian tour.
Adelaide and football in Australia can only be better for the Reds presence with the young and impressionable seeing their superstar heroes in the flesh rather than on the box.
This was the chance for United’s battlers to make a name for themselves.
It was a contest tailor-made for Awer Mabil but the winger is on his way to Denmark today. Still, United keeper Eugene Galekovic shone.