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We must improve says~ Rafael Benitez |
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Date:
2006-8-23 |
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Place: |
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Hope floats
Maybe after the next few weeks and when the international break is over you will see a side that can progress.
Its been hard to get the players to the same level of physical preparation. That has made things very difficult.
Haifa coach Roni Levy said Uefas decision to switch the tie to Kiev due to the Middle East conflict had not helped his side.
It was always going to be difficult for us with the way we had to play here in Kiev and not in Israel.
At this level of competition, home advantage is crucial.
Liverpool got a very late winner at Anfield because of their home backing, and we would have done much better had we been on home soil.
Do not forget we were playing one of Europes biggest clubs and held them to a draw.
Home calling
Maybe in Israel it would have been different.
Striker Peter Crouch put Liverpool ahead early in the second half when he headed home Jermaine Pennants cross.
But Roberto Colautti quickly revived Haifas hopes in Kiev when he tapped home after goalkeeper Jose Reina was unable to hold Xavier Andersons shot.
Late on Reina prevented Haifa from going ahead when he flung himself to his left to tip away Colauttis shot.
Liverpools starting line-up was notable for the absence of Steven Gerrard, who was named as a substitute after suffering a stomach upset on Monday.
Gerrard eventually came on midway through the second-half after Mohamed Sissoko fell awkwardly.
Well tended
Haifa goalkeeper Nir Davidovitch kept his side in the game in the first half, making three superb saves to frustrate Luis Garcia.
Twice he made fine reaction saves from Garcia shots, but Davidovitchs most impressive stop came when he flung himself at a header from the Spanish international to clear the ball after a Liverpool corner.
Garcias Spanish compatriot Xabi Alonso also went close with a curling shot that went narrowly wide. |
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