MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 07:19:09| >> :120:18304:18304:

On this day: Liverpool lose in Intercontinental Cup

Thirty-three years ago today, Liverpool lost in the final of the Intercontinental Cup to a Zico-inspired Flamengo.

Liverpool's European Cup triumphs of 1977 and 1978 resulted in the club qualifying for the Intercontinental Cup, but on both occasions the English club declined the invitation.

However, when the Reds defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in Paris in 1981 to claim the trophy for a third time, this time around they decided to participate.

Their opponents in Tokyo 33 years ago today would be Brazilian outfit Flamengo, who had won the Copa Libertadores courtesy of a 2-0 win over Cobreloa.

Bob Paisley's Liverpool were regarded by many as the favourites to win the encounter in Japan, particularly with the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Terry McDermott in their ranks.

However, those big-name players would be placed in the shade by Flamengo captain Zico as the playmaker created all three of his side's first-half goals.

The South Americans opened the scoring in just the 12th minute when Nunes beat Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar to Zico's lofted pass to poke the ball into the net.

Then, with 34 minutes played, Flamengo made it 2-0. Grobbelaar failed to hold Zico's shot and after a goalmouth scramble, midfielder Adilio was on hand to bundle the ball in.

The scoring was then completed four minutes before the break as a neat passing move concluded with Zico threading the ball through for Nunes, who fired his low shot into the far corner of the net.

Liverpool created chances of their own after the restart, but they were unable to find a route back into the contest as Flamengo held out to win the trophy.

For his efforts, Brazil international Zico was named man of the match and would later be voted as the World Football of the Year.

Liverpool: Grobbelaar; Neal, Thompson, Hansen, Lawrenson; Lee, McDermott, Souness, Kennedy; Dalglish, Johnston

Flamengo: Raul; Leandro, Marinho, Mozer, Junior; Andrade, Adilio, Zico; Tita, Nunes, Lico

ID:193348: cacheID:193348:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3893:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jordan Henderson of Liverpool celebrates scoring the second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on February 23, 2014
Read Next:
McDermott: 'Henderson can succeed Gerrard'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!