Liverpool continued their Asian Tour to Malaysia as they step up their pre-season preparations for the new season. With Kenny back home tying up the deal for new signing Downing, Liverpool would be managed by fellow Scot Steve Clarke for this match. Once again the main aim for this match would be to give as many players as possible a run out.
THE MATCH
With such a large following in this part of the world the Bukit Jalil Stadium was sold out for this match with 80,000 fans at fever pitch to witness their heroes. But the game started in a more relaxed fashion as both teams settled into proceedings.
It took 10 minutes for Liverpool to create their first chance and it was new signing Adam that created it finding Carroll with a perfect pass, Carroll's effort was thwarted by Allawee Ramli with Meireles failing to turn the rebound goalward.
Moments later Adam clipped a free-kick just over. With Liverpool dominating proceedings they were awarded a rather soft penalty when Puttra tugged back Carroll in the box when trying to connect to another Adam pass. Adam confidently converted the spot kick at the second attempt after the referee awarded a re-take.
Meireles then had a back post header saved before the hosts equalised three minutes before half-time with a tremendous strike from a free-kick by Captain Rahim who gave Brad Jones no chance. Liverpool had a couple of scares before half-time as the hosts were bouyed by their goal and Liverpool were happy to hear the whistle to end the half.
Liverpool put a new team out for the second half making eleven changes and they almost took an early lead but N'Gog dragged his shot wide after being sent clear by Aqualani.
Shelvey then hit a low free-kick just wide of the target before Kuyt put a dangerous ball across the face of goal which Aqualani just couldn't reach.
Then in the 69th minute Liverpool took the lead after an Insua cross eventually found N'Gog at the back post after a mix up at the near post as Ahmad tried to clear, N'Gog stretched to steer the ball into the net.
Moments later N'Gog scored his second goal of the match when he fired into the top corner after being sent clear by Aqualani.
With Liverpool in the acendency now and the Malaysians tiring they scored a fourth when a good move started by Aqualani found Insua down the left who's centre was met by Maxi who made no mistake from close range.
With contest seemingly over the hosts remarkably pulled a goal back with ten minutes remaining when Sali scored. Amazingly the substitute added a second shortly after setting up a tense finale.
Liverpool ended the comeback with two late goals, another from Maxi and one from Kuyt giving the massive crowd plenty of goals to cherish from their heroes.
Overall it was a good performance from many players as they continue their preperation for the new season. Adam and Aqualani impressed the most for me with N'Gog looking sharp up front scoring a couple of goals.
Man of the Match - Adam - everything good came from him and very confident with the penalty, I was also impressed with his workrate tracking back.
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