maccabi were underestimated

[kopite]

the Israelis were playing very well and were totally underestimated how well they pass and move
I think we let them dominate a little bit,too much in mid field at times,
got to give it to them,they did cause a few problems for us.

[Bob]

I think we did well in that game.

I didn't underestimate them, and i can assure you the club didn't either. Videos would have been prevalent at Anfield! They won their league 3 times in a row FFS.

Ask Tom and Mums et al that question.

[paulcooper4]

there is no way rafa would underestimate anyone, hes a bit of a freak on that score, he`ll have had about a million videos. i just think a rusty looking liverpool done a professional job against a skillful side

[bazza76]

the Israelis were playing very well and were totally underestimated how well they pass and move
I think we let them dominate a little bit,too much in mid field at times,
got to give it to them,they did cause a few problems for us.

the team got enough warning before the game that they cant underestimate this team. Rafa knows all about them, and im sure we have watched games of them playing, I felt we started with no tempo to the game and it suited Haifa. IMHO we would have beaten them more comfortably if we gave them a dose of English football, dont let them settle and watch them panic, closing down everything quickly, more like who we were playing towards the end of the game.

[kurtangle01]

i've just got in from the game and i have to say that they impressed me a lot. their passing was very neat and they were dangerous on the counter.

i was worried in the last 10 minutes that we might only get a draw and have to go where ever they want us to play looking for a win to qualify. needless to say i was delighted when gonzales scored the second. it will gives us a bit of breathing space in the second leg and means that haifa will have to chase the game.

[bazza76]

i've just got in from the game and i have to say that they impressed me a lot. they're passing was very neat and they were dangerous on the counter.

i was worried in the last 10 minutes that we might only get a draw and have to go where ever they want us to play looking for a win to qualify. needless to say i was delighted when gonzales scored the second. it will gives us a bit of breathing space in the second leg and means that haifa will have to chase the game.

Alright kurt.
Yeah, cant help thinking that our new found pace will exploit them in the second leg. They will have to come forward. Just hope we deal with the early storm.

[rebel23]

these types of ties are always tricky because of fitness levels so early on in the season. Haifa are no mugs, they're a professional team that who have won their league 3 times, under an organised coach. pleased we got the win and in 2 weeks we'll hopefully be better

[Jan-Erik]

We didnt underestimate them. We are rusty at present, and will only get better as the weeks go by.

[kurtangle01]

Alright kurt.
Yeah, cant help thinking that our new found pace will exploit them in the second leg. They will have to come forward. Just hope we deal with the early storm.

the good thing is that they now have to chase the game in two weeks bazza. i had a bad feeling that if we had to go there and chase the game we would end up leaving space at the back but that goal from gonzales was crucial. i'm not 100% confident but still think that we can beat them. lets face it, it's hardly going to be a home tie for them is it?

[Laz]

Fairplay to the Israelis, they don't like giving up territory.

I think we can take many positives from this game (sound like anyone?).
Pennant offered us a new dimension and his partnership with Finnan will be crucial when it grows.

Momo was outstanding and is improving his passing, awareness and ability to inflict pain.

Bellamy was unselfish, worked hard and wanted to be involved in all areas.

Our defence was examined a little too thoroughly for my liking and Riise offered more in attack than in defence.

As long as we don't lose the return leg we will be fine. The thing is, I've grown used to Liverpool winding me up during any important matches available.

To misquote my drunken self; Come on you Reds, tally ho and all that.

[kopite]

Did you expect them to be so organised and pacey..
I didnt, I was well shocked, at the distribution of the ball and the front men ,they played very well, not a bad side,

as previously posted Liverpool arejust a bit rusty,I hope the wd40 works for sunday

[kurtangle01]

on a side note. i had some lebonese ****s sat behind me in the kop waving a lebonese flag during YNWA. they almost got lynched. needless to say they put the flag away pretty sharpish.lol

[rushscored4]

the Israelis were playing very well and were totally underestimated how well they pass and move. I think we let them dominate a little bit,too much in mid field at times, got to give it to them,they did cause a few problems for us.

Sounds like there was only you that underestimated them, mate. Like every other reply I didn't do so and having just got back from the game I also agree with previous comments about how good they were, especially in the first half.

The number 7 Boccoli, although he was an irritating little ****, showed some neat touches and took his goal extremely well. I was also impressed with the number 10 Alain Masudi though he faded after the ineffectual Zenden went off.

We lacked sharpness in the first half and Alonso, Finnan and Riise all looked short of match fitness. After the break Alonso got more into his stride to control the game. Throughout the match Sissoko was awesome and I thought Pennant had a great second half providing some excellent crosses from the right. I can't remember the last time we had a proper wideman on the right who hugs the touchline and can beat a man. What impressed me most about Pennant, however, was his decision making. He seemed to know exactly when to try to beat the defender, play it simple or get a quick cross in. As I predicted before we bought him (despite being criticised on KT) he will develop into an excellent player and provide an added dimension to the team.

[Laz]

I never thought I'd say this RS4.

You're right.

[kurtangle01]

Sounds like there was only you that underestimated them, mate. Like every other reply I didn't do so and having just got back from the game I also agree with previous comments about how good they were, especially in the first half.

The number 7 Boccoli, although he was an irritating little ****, showed some neat touches and took his goal extremely well. I was also impressed with the number 10 Alain Masudi though he faded after the ineffectual Zenden went off.

We lacked sharpness in the first half and Alonso, Finnan and Riise all looked short of match fitness. After the break Alonso got more into his stride to control the game. Throughout the match Sissoko was awesome and I thought Pennant had a great second half providing some excellent crosses from the right. I can't remember the last time we had a proper wideman on the right who hugs the touchline and can beat a man. What impressed me most about Pennant, however, was his decision making. He seemed to know exactly when to try to beat the defender, play it simple or get a quick cross in. As I predicted before we bought him (despite being criticised on KT) he will develop into an excellent player and provide an added dimension to the team.

couldn't agree more with you, rushie.

they are a good side and the next leg is by no means a straight forward tie. we will have to be at our best to guarantee that we progress to the group stages.