Friday, February 13, 2009

Liverpool International Stars Avoid Night Of Pitfalls

Liverpool’s Spanish stars came safely through last night’s international in Seville.

Fernando Torres negotiated 64 minutes against England before he was replaced by Spain’s second goalscorer Fernando Llorente, while Xabi Alonso played the full 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defender Alvaro Arbeloa were both introduced at half-time.

On a busy night of international football, Yossi Benayoun was Israel’s match-winner, scoring from close range as his country beat Hungary 1-0 in Tel Aviv.

Young striker David Ngog also got on the scoresheet with a neat volley as France Under 21s drew 1-1 with Tunisia.

Javier Mascherano captained Argentina to a 2-0 win in France, while Daniel Agger was booked as he lasted 90 minutes in Denmark’s 1-1 draw against Greece.

Ryan Babel came on for clubmate Dirk Kuyt at half-time in Holland’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia, while Sami Hyypia played the full 90 minutes as Finland lost 1-0 to Portugal thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.

On Tuesday night Martin Skrtel and Andrea Dossena both tasted defeat in international friendlies.

Dossena earned his sixth cap after replacing Andrea Pirlo 75 minutes into Italy’s 2-0 defeat against Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, while Skrtel played 90 minutes as Slovakia were beaten 3-2 by Ukraine.

All of Liverpool’s international contingent were due to report back to Melwood today – but there were no indications of any problems.

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