1984 Toyota Cup - Liverpool v Independiente

Toyko, Japan - Liverpool 0v1 Independiente

There was a political element to the 1984 Toyota Cup clash, as it pitted Argentina v England for the first time since the Falklands War.
Liverpool had qualified for this fixture by winning their 4th European Cup, with this side regarded as possibly the best of the bunch.
Facing them were another highly decorated Club, Independiente, who had clinched their record 7th Copa Libertadores in a team boasting 7 Argentine Internationals, 4 of which would win the World Cup with Argentina only 2 years later.
Liverpool came into the match with a better attitude than their last showing on this stage 3 years earlier where a lacklustre Liverpool were humbled 3v0 by Flamengo, although preparations for the match were still far from ideal.
The English side had played a League match back in England only 5 days earlier, had lost Mark Lawrenson through injury while training in Japan, and were struggling with jet lag. Although recent results had improved, Liverpool had been well below par in their domestic League, although would go on to reach a 2nd successive European Cup Final.

There were warning signs early on that Independiente were looking to spring the Liverpool offside trap as the Liverpool back 4 pushed up dangerously high almost to the halfway line. It didn't take long for the South American Champions to punish Liverpool's high line, as Marangoni's ball found 19 Year old Percudani, and with the Linesman's flag remaining down he raced through to slip the ball past Grobbelaar to give the South American side an early lead after just 6 minutes.

On a dry and bumpy pitch it was difficult for any of the sides to build up any sort of momentum, with a determined Independiente defence repelling balls played into the box, whilst looking to hit on the break at the other end.
Dalglish squandered a great opportunity for the English side as he miscued in front of goal from a pull back from Rush.
Aside from a Craig Johnstone drive, which was a comfortable height for the Keeper to parry away, the ranks of the Independiente defence successfully snuffed out Liverpool's attacks, although at the other end Grobbelaar was rarely called upon, with only a well struck Clausen drive from outside the area to deal with.

The second half continued in the same fashion, with Liverpool pressing forward and Independiente with their deft flicks and pace looking to counter, but controlling a bobbling ball and time on the ball in scarce supply, there was never going to be a multitude of chances created.
A cute Molby pass found Nicol, who was attacking with more gusto down the Independiente right hand side, but with the space being closed down his effort lacked the ferocity to trouble Goyen in goal.

Liverpool almost gifted Independiente a second goal when Burruchaga intercepted Phil Neal's ill advised back pass, but Grobbelaar was sharply off his line to come to his team mate's rescue.
As the game wore on Liverpool threw more men forward, but were continually met with a Red Wall of Independiente players determined to hold onto their lead.
At the other was also increased danger at the other end with Perrcudani and Barberon having chances on the break.
But there was to be no late siege on the Argentine goal as Liverpool looked to have run out of steam and Independiente saw out the final minutes without any cause for concern as the Argentine side continued South American dominance in this competition.
 After the match Liverpool Boss Joe Fagan admitted "Independiente are a good tactical team. We could find no way through their defence. They are master technicians when  it comes to using the ball".