Compelling Soccer

Liverpool v. Debrecen

Champions League Group Stages Game 1

Stakes: The Reds see a team I've never heard of at Anfield to kick off Group E. Lyon and Fiorentina, two squads I most definitely have heard of await. Needless to say, three points is essential and expected.

Thoughts on the opposing side: Debrecen's team page on Soccernet has links to just seven player names. That can't bode well for their talent level. After a little bit of research I've learned they are a Hungarian side and apparently the second team in the last 14 years from Hungary to qualify for the Group stages. Congrats to them. Nonetheless, these are the match ups where you got your cheap wins in club mode for FIFA.

Will I be watching? Workday, so I'll try to pick up some updates and maybe grab a feed. But watching with intent is going to be impossible.

Questions I have: Will Liverpool bring out their typical starting XI? It's the Champions League after all, but this side shouldn't pose problems. Meanwhile the Carling Cup is next week and could provide a better spot to give the big guys a rest.

Expectations: Anything less than a win will be surprising. Anything less than a convincing win would be disappointing. I may not be an expert, but I know this: a top tier English side should smack down an Hungarian side 10 out of 10 times at home. Another thing I have learned, even in my periods of waning interest, Rafa's squads always perform well in Europe.

Lineup: Turns out Rafa is using the same starting XI as Saturday against Burnley.

Game Thoughts and More After the Break:

1st Half Thoughts: Caught parts of the first half. Possession wise Liverpool dominated but Debrecen did a lot with the third of possession they did manage generating a few opportunities that had to make Rafa nervous. But with that said, they could easily be down 3-0 if Liverpool finished the gift wrapped opportunities they had so far. I counted Riera missing wide when he was through on goal,Torres putting a rebound shot into a defender at the goal line and Stevie G missing wide from about 10 yards away with nothing but Red shirts around him, not to mention a miss from just outside the penalty area earlier. Still it's 1-0 thanks to Kuyt putting in in a Torres rebound in first half stoppage. Liverpool look far and away to be the better side even if they haven't locked away their chances. They're just faster, stronger and more skilled on the ball. Their off the ball work has been solid and at times spectacular as well (hence their lack of finishing being even more frustrating)

Still 45 minutes to play but this one should finish up a lot better for the Reds than it may for Arsenal who are down 2-1 at half to Standard Liege. There's a legit shocker.

2nd Half Thoughts: Liverpool got more of the possession in the second half but seemed to be at risk a lot more than they did in the first 45. I have to give Debrecen credit for how often they were turn their small time on the ball into a threat. Just to paint the picture, a co-worker was talking to me as I had a feed of the game up and mentioned he didn't notice the team in white (Debrecen) ever having the ball. He was there for about five minutes. So how Debrecen actually managed 15 shots in this one when they only had the ball for less than a third of the game is beyond me.

Overall I was disappointed by the result just because this game felt too close for comfort. Sure, Liverpool dominated possession but still were oh so close to surrendering the equalizer on a few occasions. They also nearly iced the game a few times, but again couldn't finish. They were the better team here but didn't stomp on the throat of their opposition like they should have. It almost felt like a redux of the US/Trinidad game from a week ago, though Liverpool, even when struggling to finish, still is more exciting than the brand of soccer the US team plays.

I know people always argue a win is a win, but since goal differential is so important in tournaments like this, even that rings hollow. The performance here was the bare minimum necessary. Liverpool did themselves no favors with much better opponents coming up in Lyon and Fiorentina and a road date with Debrecen later on.

Mixed game for Stevie G as well. He set up some beautiful opportunities that were flat out missed by his teammates. (The Riera miss was off a through ball from Gerrard) On the other hand he was off target himself all day and missed a golden chance to finish in the first half. As the captain goes so does Liverpool I suppose, since his performance mirrored the team in a lot of ways. More good than bad with the class showing through, but could have and should have done much better.

Oh and updating what I mentioned earlier: Arsenal battled back with 2 in the second half to beat Liege 3-2. Nice comeback win for them.

Awards:

The Steven Gerrard Stand Up and Be Counted Award: Dirk Kuyt. Supported Torres well as the second forward and had a nice put back on the lone goal of the game. Could have had a second if not for a ball that was put slightly behind him by Torres in the second half. Gerard, Torres and Benayoun were also in the mix but all missed too many chances to take home this one.

The Brian Ching Stand Up and Do Nothing Award: Alberto Riera. Riera's been talked about as the man who must fill the large shoes left behind by Xabi Alonso but this game was not a pretty one for him. He seemed to be in position to score often but couldn't hit the target. If even you don't bury the shot, at least make the goalie have to work for a save. Putting the ball off of goal is a poor outcome and Riera seemed to do that a lot Wednesday.

Enjoyment rating (Out of 10): 7. The finishing was poor, but the set ups were fun to watch. I was on edge in the later minutes as well, hoping Debracen wouldn't pull even. Entertaining match.