Match Report 060809 vs Maccabi Haifa: Dream debuts

2-1 and it was not until 88 minutes that Gonzalez scored that we beat Maccabi Haifa. As you can expect after the World Cup, a lot of players are still far from the necessary fitness level. However the defense is really shocking and left so many holes for the opponents to explore. The new players have yet to gel with the team yet. Reina has to make a good save in 2H to prevent Haifa from taking the lead the second time. We have a Community Shield game and another friendly to go before the real season kicks off, and Rafa needs to sort it out quickly.

Player Rating:
Reina: 7 Can't do much about the goal conceded, and had made a good save in 2H.
Finnan: 6.5 Was a bit slow in making decision, but gradually recovered and even provided a good cross at the end.
Carragher: 7 Made a few great tackles.
Hyypia: 6 Was partly responsible for the goal conceded.
Riise: 6 Also responsible for the goal conceded.
Pennant: 7 A lively debut and provided a few good crosses.
Alonso: 7 A bit disappointing until his assist to Mark's goal.
Gerrard: 7 Shows some lack of form as he is still recovering from the long season.
Sissoko: 6.5 Running up and down, provided an assist, get a silly yellow card, and bursted the ball at the 93rd minute.
Zenden: 6 Trying very hard but not much use.
Bellamy: 7.5 A dream debut with a nice taken goal. It was funny to see him wearing #17, Stevie G's old number, running along with Stevie G to chase the ball when it was parried by the opponent goalkeeper, and scored it.

Substitutions:
Luis Garcia: 6.5 Tried hard and provided some threats, but his "dive" does not help.
Crouch: 6.5 Provided aerial threats and was close to score in 2 occasions.
Gonzalez: 7.5 Scored from his first touch. He is really speedy and almost run over the ball.

Rafa: 7 Great substitutions that create impact, although he need to work hard on the defense, the general fitness and the new player's understanding of the team flow.

Maccabi Haifa: Scored from their only shot on target, could have score 2 more. We need to be alert in the 2nd leg.

Players of the Match: Bellamy and Gonzalez. Dream debuts.