Jordon Ibe’s superb first-half strike helped Liverpool to a 1-1 draw with a Malaysia XI on Friday, in what was a dull contest in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia XI 1-1 Liverpool
Friendly – Bukit Jalil National Stadium – Friday, 24th July 2015
Goals: Ibe (28); Ronaldinho (13)
Pre-match
There were three changes to the side that defeated Adelaide United 2-0 on Monday, as the Reds played the last game of their tour of the Far East and Australia.
Adam Bogdan replaced Simon Mignolet in goal, Joe Gomez made way for Alberto Moreno at left-back and Lucas Leiva came on for Joe Allen in the heart of midfield.
First-half
A very low-key opening 10 minutes to the game offered little in terms of entertainment, and Liverpool struggled to create any chances of note.
Brendan Rodgers’ side fell behind in the 13th minute, as striker Ronaldinho- not that one- muscled his way past Dejan Lovren and finished excellently past Adam Bogdan.
Lovren had a chance to redeem himself minutes later, but headed a terrific chance wide. It’s one of many areas that the under-fire Croatian must improve in.
Jordan Henderson almost stole in after good work by Adam Lallana, but there was a lethargy about Liverpool’s performance.
In the 28th minute the Reds were level, however. Ibe’s stunning left-footed strike from the right flew into the top corner, further enhancing his reputation as one of the finest young players around.
Divick Origi twice had opportunities to give his side the lead before half-time, but at the break it was all square in Kuala Lumpur.
Watch Ibe’s goal here
Second-half
There were no changes at the interval for the Reds, who were looking to kick on and maintain their 100 per cent winning record in pre-season this summer.
Lallana hit the target from range six minutes into the second-half, while Origi should have made it 2-1 when put clean-through soon after.
Lovren again missed the target with a header with the goal gaping, as the Reds pressed for a winner. The lively Lallana saw his effort deflect onto the crossbar.
A quiet James Milner shot straight at the goalkeeper 20 minutes from time, while Jordan Rossiter, Sheyi Ojo, Dan Cleary and Joe Maguire were given chances to prove themselves with late cameos.
Lovren completed his hat-trick of missed chances with a scuffed effort, and even missed a fourth for good measure late in the day.
Liverpool failed to find a winner in the final exchanges, as their tour of the Far East and Australia ended in rather drab fashion.
Liverpool: Bogdan, Clyne (Cleary ’79), Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno (Maguire ’79), Henderson, Lucas (Rossiter ’72), Milner (Chirivella ’90), Ibe, Lallana, Origi (Ojo ’72).
Subs not used: Mignolet, Fulton, Toure, Sakho, Lambert, Gomez, Allen, Ings, Kent, Wisdom, Markovic, Teixeira, Wilson.
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