Maradona Musters Win

Argentina scraped through to the World Cup Finals after a thrilling match away to Uruguay. Heavily under fire boss Diego Maradona faced one of the biggest games of his career as Argentina required vital points away from home to progress. The hostile atmosphere within the stadium before hand was a as taste of what was to come. Argentina, who have struggled throughout the group stage were looking to take some huge pressure of their shoulders by qualifying for South Africa but the game did not go all their own way. It took a late goal for debutant Mario Bolatti to seal an unconvincing win after the sending off of Caraceres. Maradona and his team were greeted by raptures boos from the home fans as they entered the field and the home fans reaction was met by that of the players. The game started very lively, with seemingly both teams fired up for the big game. To begin with it was a very stop and start game with tackles flying in from every direction. The referee's attempts to calm the players resulted in numerous yellow cards within the first 10 minutes. The first real chance fell to the home side as Jorge Rodriguez made use of some slack defending to burst through on goal only to crash his effort against the upright. 10 minutes later and Argentine keeper Romero was sent scrambling after a fierce drive from Alvaro Pereira went narrowly wide. However, the Argentine's quelled their nerves and started to stroke the ball around effortlessly. They had a decent penalty shout on the half hour when Diego Perez appeared to wrestle Gabriel Heinze to the ground only to be waved away by the referee. As the clock approached the half time mark Uruguay almost grabbed the lead when a sensational drive from Diego Forlan scrapped the post, ending a thrilling first half. The hosts continued to press in the second half as Maradona's men looked tame in front of goal. Maradona who has come under some harsh criticism for Argentina's disjointed World Cup campaign looked to be heading for more misery. Athletico Madrid forward Forlan unleashed rasping drive from the edge of the box only to be saved well by Romero as Uruguay pressed for the opening goal. World player of the year Lionel Messi looked anonymous in the first half but displayed some his talents after taking the ball past three defenders before putting his shot wide. Argentine hearts where in their mouths once again when Diego Lugano was left free in the area only to fluff his header over the bar. The home side were dealt a heavy blow when Caceres picked up a second booking after hauling down Jonas Gutierrez. This was a telling blow as the resulting free kick allowed Bolatti to smash the ball home giving Argentina all three points and qualification. Maradona and his men had been able to silence their critics at least until South Africa.

Real Ace Roo Injury Woes

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be looking up to a month out on the sidelines after damaging his ankle in Portugal's 3-0 World Cup Qualifier over Hungary. Despite going into the game already carrying an ankle knock, Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz started the winger, who could only manage 27 minutes of the game. Queiroz has come under some criticism from Madrid for allowing the ‘Galitico’ to play and a spokesmen for the Spanish outfit had this to say 'After a clinical examination and an MRI scan, it is confirmed the player has suffered a recurrence of his injury to his right ankle, a medial collateral sprain with inflammation in the bone. The estimated recovery time is three to four weeks.' Ronaldo who already missed their defeat to Sevilla will now miss both games against Italian giants AC Milan in the Champions League.

Reds Safely Secure Win

Liverpool came through an awkward opening to their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win at home to Hungarian champions Debrecen. The game started brightly for the reds who retained the majority of the possession despite any cutting chances in the final 3rd. Liverpool lacked ideas as a secluded Gerrard played in an unfamiliar midfield role. The Captain played in a much deeper position than were used to seeing him in and lead to a lack of fluency between the midfield and attack. Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun looked positive in the opening stages and a quick fire move from the pair almost allowed Torres to find the breakthrough only for his shot to be saved. The game opened up slightly as Debrecen began to feel their way into the game almost taking the lead after a lose ball on the edge of the area was almost punished were it not for a clever save from Pepe Reina. However, spaces began to appear and Alberto Riera almost utilized the extra space after a glorious pass from Carragher put him through on goal. The keeper stood up well to make a good save but from the resulting shot Kuyt came agonizingly close with his effort saved off the line. The pressure final broke through as the half was drawing to a close Kuyt was able to pounce on a Torres shot to smash in from 8 yards. A penetrating ball from Gerrard allowed Torres to turn and swivel firing a good shot at the keeper who could only parry the ball into Kuyt's path.

The second half was no different but Liverpool failed to turn their dominating possession into any clear cut chances. Debrecen looked dangerous on the counter attack as the willingness of forward Coulibaly nearly paid off were it not for his miss-control. Despite this, Benitez's side were never really troubled and were able to come away with a good 3 points in their opening game. They will have to pick up their performances though if they are to challenge for the trophy.

Reds Recover To Smash Trotters

Liverpool recovered from a miserable result midweek by taking all 3 points at the Reebok in a pulsating game. The Reds came from behind twice to eventually come away winners, thanks to inspirational captain Steven Gerrard whose scorching half volley minutes from the end handed them the win.

After a lacklustre display at home to Villa, Benitez's men needed a vital win to kick start their season. However, things did not start well as on 33 minutes Kevin Davies found the net after yet again some suspect defending. Liverpool, who have won the last 3 games at the Reebok were looking to bounce back quickly and managed to do so as a suburb solo effort from Glen Johnson on the 41st minute levelled the encounter. The much touted title challengers, looked dominate after half time but again went behind on 47 minutes. A long punt up field from Trotter's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was flicked on by Kevin Davies for Tamir Cohen to smash the ball into the back of the on watching Reina.

The game was about to see a major turning point in favour of the Reds when in the 54th minute Sean Davies was sent off for a second bookable offence. A needless clip to midfielder Lucas Leiva saw him furiously head for an early shower. This proved decisive when on the 56th minute hot-shot Spanish starlet Fernando Torres finished well after some great work from Gerrard and Kuyt, the striker notching his 3rd goal in 4 games getting the Reds back on track.

All the attack was coming from the away side and eventually the Bolton defence was breeched once again on the 83rd minute. Captain Gerrard, who recently came under some criticism from the media, silenced them with a stunning half volley, emphatically handing the Reds all 3 points.

Could this be the win that kick starts Liverpool's season? A tough encounter against Burnley awaits after the International break for Benitez's men.