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It was a closer game than expected as European champions Liverpool played Mexican side Monterrey in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. It was a valiant effort by the South American team who could have very well come away with a shock result tonight had things gone a bit differently.
Liverpool were not their usual self for most of the game but as has been the trend lately, the Reds ran out as eventual winners of the game. Naby Keita opened the scoring for the English team, and Monterrey then equalised through Funes Mori who scored just minutes later. The game was evenly contested for the most part, but it was Jurgen Klopp's substitutes who made all the difference in the end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a wonderful ball for Roberto Firmino in the 91st minute of stoppage time, and the striker finished smartly in front of goal to give his team the victory. Here are the hits and flops from this game which saw Liverpool advance to the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
5. Hit - Alisson Becker
Virgil Van Dijk was absent from the squad today due to an illness, and the Liverpool defence looked a bit weak as a result. They let the opposition get in a little bit too easily at times, and the Monterrey forwards got a good sight of Liverpool's goal on several occassions. However, they could not get past Alisson Becker.
For the first goal, Alisson saved a great shot by Gallardo but could do nothing as Funes Mori tapped in the rebound. After that, the player was at the peak of his prowess and prevented the Reds some embarassment.
The Brazilian shotstopper was at his best tonight - he made some brilliant saves throughout the 90 minutes to keep his team in the game. The Monterrey front line took several shots at the keeper, but Alisson was up to the task and his positioning and vital interceptions of the ball aided the Reds in not conceding more than one.
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4. Flop - Divock Origi
Divock Origi was handed the start over Roberto Firmino, who was rested by Klopp tonight. However, his replacement seemed very off-colour for the entire game as he could not get involved and wasted out wide with very little chances coming his way.
The Monterrey defence was on top of Origi, who came into this game in a rich vein of form but could not capitalise on the same. The Belgian international often looked isolated as the ball was played out to him at wider positions, and he could not cut in like he usually does and failed to deliver a meaningful pass.
Origi also squandered a brilliant pass from James Milner, as he completely misjudged his shot which could have ended the game earlier. Overall, a day to forget for the usually reliable player.
3. Hit - Dorlan Pabon
Former Valencia player Dorlan Pabon was arguably his team's best player today. The creative attacking midfielder was lively throughout the game as he punished makeshift centre-back Jordan Henderson, and it was only due to Alisson that he did not find himself on the scoresheet.
Due to the absence of a proper centre-back right-back for the most part in the game, Pabon exploited the wide areas of the pitch and was involved in Monterrey's best attacks of the night. His trickery and explosiveness troubled the Reds' defence, and he made a couple of good passes in the final third. The side lost some of their intensity as Parbon was subbed off in the 82nd minute.
Overall, it was a great display by the 31-year-old, and he could easily have had an assist and a goal had things gone his team's way today.
2. Flop - Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri was handed a rare start by Klopp tonight, but he failed to capitalise on the opportunity. The midfielder was playing a bit wide for most of the game, and he was unable to impact the game in any way whatsoever during his 68 minutes on the field.
Shaqiri lost the ball a couple of times in a good position and he made 0 key passes in the entire game while and had one wayward shot which went off target. The Swiss international looked a shadow of his usual robust self throughout, and he was ultimately replaced by Sadio Mane as Klopp looked for a win.
With Takumi Minamino coming in January, Shaqiri's chances could be even more limited - the midfielder will be hoping he can bounce back soon after this performance.
1. Hit - Mohamed Salah
Firmino and Mane were both benched by Klopp, but the in-form Mohamed Salah was handed a start - and it paid off. Although the services of the former two were required in the end, Salah was by far the most potent attacking threat for the European champions today.
It was Salah's amazing pass which set up Keita for the first goal, and the Egyptian constantly troubled the Monterrey defence otherwise as well. He was a lively presence in the front for Liverpool, and he left the opposing defenders in the dust quite a few times which his pace and trickery.
The forward could have had a goal for himself if not for some last-ditch defending by Monterrey on a couple of occasions. Despite that, Salah's impact on the game was immense and he will head to the finals a happy and confident man.
