Video courtesy of Kora Life World Cup
Liverpool are headed for a meeting with old rivals Manchester United in the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup this coming Monday, and if only to put a serious stamp on their title claims, they set themselves up perfectly for the match with a 2-0 win over AC Milan in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Good work from Joe Allen saw the midfielder pinch the ball off the Italian side high off the pitch, and though his initial shot pinged off the post and Raheem Sterling’s follow-up was well saved by Rossoneri ‘keeper Christian Abbiati, the Welshman was on hand to bang in the rebound for his first pre-season goal.
Heading into the break, Milan defender Adil Rami’s clumsy challenge on Raheem Sterling saw the referee point immediately to the spot, but Rickie Lambert’s effort was well saved by Abbiati as he palmed the shot away. Reported Liverpool target Mario Balotelli threatened to pull one back for Filippo Inzaghi’s side after the break, but the big Italian was thwarted at every attempt.
With time ticking down, the Reds put the result out of question when Philippe Coutinho, brought on as a second half substitute, teed up Suso to let fly through a crowded penalty area and wrap up an emphatic win for the Anfield outfit. The Reds will immediately depart for Miami where a meeting with Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United awaits.
