LIVERPOOL COASTED TO a 3-0 win over Australian A-League champions Sydney FC on Wednesday just three days after finishing their Premier League season.
England striker Daniel Sturridge, fighting back from a hip injury, was outstanding — scoring the opening goal and setting up another for Brazilian Roberto Firmino.
The Reds, playing in front of a red-bedecked near-capacity crowd of 73,000 at Sydney’s Olympic stadium, scored all their goals in an irresistible first half.
Sturridge turned defender Alex Wilkinson to beat goalkeeper Danny Vukovic in just the eighth minute.
Ten minutes later Firmino chipped the ball into the path of Spaniard Alberto Moreno, who hammered home for 2-0.
Fantastic footwork from Sturridge freed space for a cross that ricocheted off Firmino’s thigh and into the net for Liverpool’s third goal in the 39th minute.
“There were great vibes out there from the crowd, everyone enjoyed themselves. We came here to play some football and I hope everyone was happy with the performance,” Sturridge said.
“I’m feeling okay, it’s been a big few days for the team, a lot of travelling as well and I’m working off a few hours sleep right now, but it’s good fun though.”
The Liverpool touring party only arrived in Sydney on the morning of the match and was rapturously received by the pro-Reds Australian crowd.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, 36, played in the first half along with 39-year-old team-mate Jamie Carragher, while Steve McManaman, now 45, made an appearance as a substitute in the second half.
There was a minute’s silence before the kick-off to pay respects to the victims of the terror attack that killed 22 people in Manchester on Monday.
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Alberto Moreno scored? Hardly, must be a mistake
Why was Gerrard play
Lack of ticket sales or what?
@Irishoversea: At least he’s still at the club should the question not be about carragher.
Pure nonsense.What the hell is Carragher and Gerrard still doing playing for LFC?Great servants but this is bullshit.Not surprising with the crowd pleaser Klopp at the helm.What next,sticking Jan Molby in for the next game.Maybe Ian St John could squeeze 15 mins out of his rickety old frame.
@mark kenny: funny but true
@mark kenny: what is your problem?if people want to see it let them,get over your anti Liverpool crap and get on with life.football is nothing compared to real life.come on utd do it for Manchester
@The Debater: easily amused
@Chris Perrey:
I am a Liverpool fan,Chris.
@Chris Perrey: only footie banter mate, Go out and enjoy the sunny weather!
@mark kenny: I see tumbleweed