[lfc-news] Ac Milan v Liverpool player ratings - PA

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PA Sport, 25 May 2005
AC MILAN v LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS

LIVERPOOL

JERZY DUDEK: The Poland keeper was not given much chance with any of the
goals. Pulled off fine save from Andriy Shevchenko's free-kick early in
the second half and produced amazing double reaction block deep into
extra-time. Superb in the penalty shoot-out with a maverick approach
resulting in two saves and one miss. 9.

STEVE FINNAN: Will not have been best pleased with his positioning at
vital moments, but always positive down the flank before being replaced
at half-time, carrying a slight thigh problem, as Liverpool went for
broke at the restart. 7.

DJIMI TRAORE: Like Finnan, was drawn out to the wing and also dragged
inside by running of Milan attack. But the French full-back redeemed
himself with goal-line clearance in second half. 7.

SAMI HYYPIA: Although dominant in the air as normal, had to do most of
his work on the floor to try to combat the waves of Milan attacks. 7.

JAMIE CARRAGHER: Worked hard, as always, and made some vital tackles as
Milan threatened to run riot, particularly towards the end of the first
half. Some more crucial interceptions in the closing stages. Picked up
injury during extra-time, but battled on. 8.

JOHN ARNE RIISE: Norwegian found himself tracking back too much for his
liking as the dynamic of the match changed, but still able to produce
pin-point cross for Steven Gerrard to pull goal back at start of second
half. 7.

STEVEN GERRARD: Reds captain gave his side a lifeline with a
perfectly-placed header after 54 minutes to spark a brave fightback, and
at the heartbeat of their drive for glory. 8.

LUIS GARCIA: Made an important block on the line from Hernan Crespo in
the first half and came into the match more as Liverpool rallied. 7.

XABI ALONSO: Saw his second-half penalty saved but was alert enough to
smash in the rebound and complete a remarkable turnaround. 7.

HARRY KEWELL: The Australian was unable to make any real impact on the
game before he was forced off with a recurrence of his groin problem
inside 25 minutes. 5.

MILAN BAROS: The Czech striker was full of running, often finding
himself isolated in attack. Held the ball up well, but frustrations saw
him cautioned for niggly foul late on. 7.

Substitutes

VLADIMIR SMICER (on for Kewell, 23): Making his farewell appearance for
the Reds, the Czech midfielder weighed in with a fine strike as
Liverpool rallied. 7

DIETMAR HAMANN (on for Finnan, 46): Was something of a surprise the
German had not started, and played his part in second-half revival,
keeping possession when needed. 7.

DJIBRIL CISSÉ (on for Baros, 85): Had little time to make an impact in
the closing minutes of normal time but worked hard during the extra
periods. 6.

AC MILAN

DIDA: After having little to do during the first half, the Brazilian
then suddenly found himself bombarded late on. Perhaps could have kept
out Smicer's effort, but made fine penalty save from Alonso, although
could do nothing to prevent the rebound being smashed in. 7.

CAFU: Veteran Brazilian got forward well down the flank in support of
attack, particularly during the opening stages. Forced to concentrate on
defensive duties after the break. 7.

PAOLO MALDINI: Milan skipper hardly put a foot wrong all night after
firing his men ahead with a volley early on. 8.

JAAP STAM: Big Dutchman stepped up his work-rate after the break, and
needed to be at his best as Liverpool threw everything forward late on. 7.

ALESSANDRO NESTA: Kept close tabs on Baros, but was somewhat fortunate
not to be penalised when appearing to handle the ball in the area just
before Milan went 2-0 up. Could have done more to close down Smicer as
he shaped to shoot. 6.

GENNARO GATTUSO: Had been solid in the first half but was lucky to still
be on the pitch at the end of normal time after hauling down Gerrard
when the England midfielder was clean through on goal. 6.

CLARENCE SEEDORF: Dutchman operated well in the midfield diamond but
faded as Liverpool rallied during the second half. 6.

ANDREA PIRLO: His cross set up the opening goal, and often drove
forwards at the Liverpool defence during the first half. Was, though,
less effective after the break. 6.

KAKA: The Brazilian operated at the top of Milan's midfield diamond and
bossed the match in the opening 45 minutes. However, his influence faded
as Liverpool rallied. 7.

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO: The Ukrainian was a real handful for the Liverpool
defence all night, and unfortunate to see a first-half effort ruled out
for what looked a tight offside decision. Somehow denied by Dudek deep
into extra-time. 7.

HERNAN CRESPO: On-loan Chelsea striker produced both a poacher's goal
and sublime finish as Milan looked to have wrapped up victory by
half-time. Made little impact in second period. 8.

SUBSTITUTES

JON DAHL TOMASSON (on for Crespo, 85): The Dane was sent on with
extra-time in mind but failed to make the most of the chance which then
came his way. 6.

SERGINHO (on for Seedorf, 85): Sent on to give Milan midfield a fresh
pair of legs after they had been worked hard in the second half. 6.

RUI COSTA (on for Gattuso, 112): Portugal midfielder came on late during
extra-time, but was keen to see plenty of the ball. 6.

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