Philippe Coutinho struck a stoppage-time winner for Liverpool as they beat Bolton 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth-round replay on Wednesday.
Last season’s Premier League runners-up were on the verge of exiting the competition after Eidur Gudjohnsen converted a second-half penalty in the 59th minute.
However, Raheem Sterling struck in the 86th and within minutes the Brazilian settled the match with a strike from outside the box, in the week that saw him pen a new long-term deal with the Anfield club.
Photo: AFP
“It was always going to be a tough game. Going 1-0 behind away from home put us on the back foot. You have to keep your patience and keep the width in the game, especially against 10 men,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said.
The game marked captain Steven Gerrard’s 700th appearance for the Merseysiders and it was the visitors that dominated in a first half that saw Sterling strike the outside of the post shortly before the interval.
Yet it was the hosts that took the lead courtesy of Gudjohnsen’s spot-kick after Martin Skrtel was penalized for a challenge on youngster Zach Clough.
Photo: EPA
Bolton were reduced to 10 men minutes later when Neil Danns was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on Joe Allen in the 66th.
Liverpool pressed for an equalizer, but were foiled by a stubborn Bolton defense, which came within minutes of dumping Rodgers’ side out of the competition.
Following Danns’ dismissal, Rodgers moved Emre Can forward from centerback into a central midfield role. That moved paid dividends. The German youngster picked out Sterling with a lofted pass that the England international netted on the volley.
With extra time looming, Coutinho curled a right-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to see off a spirited performance from Neil Lennon’s side.
“I was thinking when it went 1-0 and hit the woodwork so many times that it’s not our day but the boys stuck in really well and got the goals that we deserved and won the game,” Sterling said.
Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the fifth round at Selhurst Park.
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