Video: Sporting U19s 5, Liverpool U19s 1

By: Ed | November 16th, 2011

In the end, yesterday’s match in Lisbon proved to be more of an afterthought than anything else, as the FA announcement of charges against Luis Suarez (along with FIFA and Sepp Blatter’s pathetic effort) dominated much of the conversation. Given that qualification to the first knockout round was already secured for both sides, this one was maybe never likely to gather too much attention, but it was too bad that the final round of the group stage coincided with a major non-development in one of the more troubling storylines of the past few weeks.

From a Liverpool perspective, any type of footballing performance would probably be preferential to charges of racism being lodged by a governing body against one of its star senior squad players, but last night’s display wasn’t exactly one for the ages. Sporting left no doubt as to the more polished squad at the current moment, darting out to a 2-0 lead in the first half before eventually overwhelming the visitors with three goals in the second. Michael Ngoo clawed one back before the break, but Liverpool had no answer for Sporting’s efficiency in front of goal.

And while the scoreline is punishing, the video’s worth watching for some of the sheer quality to be found in Sporting’s finishing—their opener (:49) was an absolute jackhammer from Edgar, and the pick of the day had to be Alberto Coelho’s overhead volley (4:00) to extend the lead to 3-1. Perfectly timed and struck, I’d guess it’s a clear favorite for the goal of the tournament. Their fifth was no slouch either, as Gael Etock hit it on the half-volley over Tyrell Belford from thirty yards (5:40) to round off the scoring.

Tough scoreline for Liverpool’s youngsters, who were again humbled by a superior Sporting side, but hopefully any sting for them will hopefully be dulled by the fact that they’ll be back in action when the first knockout round begins.

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Category: Team News

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kaka

is gael etock really on loan from chelsea to sporting lisbon
Ed

Quick Google says yes.
Lay

Gael Etock signed a contract with Sporting valid for 3 seasons. Chelsea was too slow Sporting poached him.
Ed

Slow Google says no.
Nbusa

One of my thoughts while watching yesterday (and it's not exactly original) but it seemed like while liverpool had a more impressive collection of athletes on the field. The sporting players decisionmaking seemed so much quicker that it created the impression, as seen on the highlights, that lfc was was slow to shutdown the player with possession. I will give borrell credit because no matter the score lfc kept trying to attack and even the subs weren't part of the typical coach mindset of limiting the damage even in a game where the results didn't matter. Looking forward to the next round. Go reds!
PDubz18

Well it seems everyone is skirting around the real issue, and I think one of the reasons we got killed so badly. Rodolfo wasn't wearing a blazer with elbow pads, how are we supposed to win?
Ed

I don't know if I've ever seen a dark jacket/light elbow pad combo. It was so bold and so impressive.
redtrev73

Ed, for fucks sake, if you bring this blog down a fashionista wormhole I may have to start talking clothes which are another passion of my life....and NOBODY wants that. Hell, I don't want that...I managed to evade the whole 'was Raul a hipster or just badly dressed' argument but now the urge to comment on Sa Pinto's jacket is killing me....
Ed

When you arrive at work tomorrow with your own dark blazer and freshly sewn-on suede elbow patches, you'll be thanking us and Sa Pinto.
redtrev73

Yeah, 'cause I'm that easily led...I don't know what sort of suggestible moron you think I am....I don't have time for this...I need to find a leather merchants before close of business...oh....
redtrev73

So according to many, including reported Barca sources cited by Marc Pelosi before his move, our Academy is the finest in the land and second only to La Masia in Europe. Top men like Rafa, Kenny, Frank McParland, Rodolfo, Pep and Marshy have overseen this elevation to such lofty heights.

The obvious question - How is it possible to slip to an 8-1 aggregate defeat to Sporting Lisbon over home and away Next Gen games?

I've taken considerable comfort in the idea that we have a new generation of top talent about to break through and enjoyed watching these kids on The Offal. The performances never quite matched up to what I had hoped for, however. Last Saturday lunchtime I watched Mike Marsh's u-18's lose 1-2 to Bolton at The Academy. Not the stuff of emerging legend, although the afore-mentioned Pelosi had a solid enough debut at left back.

Anyway...I guess as a guy who's allergic to knee-jerkery in relation to judgements about the first team, I should point out that results are not the be-all and end-all with kids and Rodolfo's boys had already qualified for the next stage. I would just love to see Shanks's "bastion of invincibility" re-emerge from the Academy upwards.
Latortillablanca

always hear the successful academies spouting that wins and losses dont matter, just the performances. again, didn't see the game so its hard to judge whether anyone acquitted themselves well, but sterling didn't seem too discouraged on that pass for the goal, and the scorer of said goal, ngoo, continues to look surprisingly nimble for that spidery frame of his... british adebayor? id take it...
Latortillablanca

wow. i guess its unfair to judge it based on highlights, but the defending out wide was about as wretched as it comes on all those goals. whats that? u want to cross it in? well dont let me stop you, here, here's some more space... oh well, plenty of teaching opportunities there, i guess.

mostly we learned that 9, 10 and the keeper should be popped onto damien's scouting list, and their coach has one phenomenal crop of portuguese hair. seriously. its like jose mourinho hair matedwith mancini's hair and the result was that guy's coif.