After overcoming a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan in the Champions League final, facing a Welsh minnow named for a computer company shouldn't be difficult for Liverpool.
Forced to start its defense in the first qualifying round, Liverpool always knew it would face one of the small fries of soccer.
But today's match is the biggest thing ever to happen to Total Network Solutions.
The mid-Wales club is in Llansantfraid, a town of about 1,000 people only 100km from Liverpool.
Most of the TNS players are Liverpool fans, and seven weeks ago they watched Liverpool beat Milan on penalties in a dramatic final in Istanbul.
Liverpool received dispensation from UEFA to defend its title because it didn't qualify from the English Premiership, but it had to start from the very beginning of the competition.
That means taking on a team no other European powerhouse has ever had to face. Two-time Welsh champion TNS -- formerly Llansantfraid FC -- is usually knocked out before the big guns come into the competition.
So TNS striker Mark Lloyd-Williams, who earns a modest ?600 (US$1,044) a week, will line up against Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who will reportedly earn ?100,000 a week from his new four-year contract.
Liverpool is expected to field a strong lineup against TNS. Australian midfielder Harry Kewell is recovering from surgery on a torn groin muscle, but some of manager Rafa Benitez's new signings are likely to start. Hired from Villarreal, Jose Reina could be in goal instead of Jerzy Dudek, one of the heroes of the final in Istanbul.
"When you sign a new 'keeper you are looking long-term to him being number one. But I am very happy with Dudek and Scott Carson, and at the moment I am not looking at the big picture, only the Champions League qualifiers," Benitez said.
Dutch midfielder Boudewijn Zenden, signed from Middlesbrough, and rightback Antonio Barragan, hired from Sevilla, could also face the Wales champion although Mali international midfielder Mohammed Sissoko is still waiting to complete his move and hasn't been registered in time.
With 45,000 fans roaring Liverpool on at Anfield, it could be quite an ordeal for TNS.
Owner Mike Harris, whose computer company took over the club and changed its name, can't wait for the game to start.
"I haven't struck oil here but I have found a little jewel, and we will keep working to build it up until it is capable of running itself on a full-time basis with or without company money," he said.
Harris sees a small chance of an upset.
"We are not completely without hope because if you look back, clubs like Rangers and Celtic have tended to struggle right at the start because they are not as prepared as they would be for the later rounds. Let's hope we can catch Liverpool cold, although our first aim for the tie is to ensure we do not disgrace ourselves," he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely