PSV urge Liverpool forward

By Michael Harrold & Andrew Warshaw

PSV Eindhoven may not have reached the final of the UEFA Champions League, but they could still have a bearing on its outcome after shattering AC Milan's aura of invincibility with their 3-1 victory against the Rossoneri at the Philips Stadion.

Freedom and spontaneity
After PSV coach Guus Hiddink's attacking masterclass in Eindhoven, the tournament's most miserly defence suddenly looks vulnerable - and Liverpool FC could take advantage. PSV attacked with a freedom and spontaneity unmatched by the other semi-finalists and Milan cracked under the strain.

Near miss
"My message to Liverpool is don't be afraid," said striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. "When we played in Milan, we were a little in awe of them in the first half but once we realised we were giving their world-class players problems, we just played football. If Milan play like they did against us, Liverpool have a great chance but it's vital for them not to give away any space because Milan can score with one chance."

Park pace
In the absence of a world-class striker, Hiddink spread the offensive responsibilities throughout his side. Ji-Sung Park came off the wing to run at the Milan defence in the centre and duly scored the first. Young-Pyo Lee's pace pushed Cafu to the limit down the left while Vennegor of Hesselink was a receptive target in the middle.

Cocu double
Hiddink played three up front, but encouraged his side to attack from deep. Defence-minded Phillip Cocu became the only player to score twice against Milan this season when he struck in injury time after earlier exposing the Rossoneri's weakness in the air by heading in PSV's second of the night. "All the players on the pitch made it difficult for us," Milan defender Jaap Stam told uefa.com. "We couldn't play our own game and they made us suffer a lot."

'Very difficult'
It was thrilling stuff, reminiscent of Liverpool's ferocious opening spell against Juventus FC in the first- eg of their quarter-final at Anfield. Milan played into PSV's hands by packing the midfield and starting with just one up front. PSV were invited to attack and did so to maximum effect.

Different shape
Liverpool may not find it so easy with a second striker restored to the side, giving them more to think about defensively. Liverpool too, though, have plenty to preoccupy Milan in Istanbul. "Up front they've got [Milan] Baroš and [Djibril] Cissé - very good quality players," Stam said.

Killer blows
However, as PSV witnessed to their cost, conceding goals right at the end of each half in Milan, where they lost 2-0, and a third time just before the final whistle in the return in Eindhoven as extra time beckoned, Milan know how to dampen their opponents' ardour.

'No shame'
"They are masters at scoring goals at crucial times," Vennegoor of Hesselink said. "Liverpool could defend for 89 minutes but one loss of concentration could hurt them. I think they should be brave and go for it. If they lose against such illustrious opposition, it's no shame."

Decent odds
"My advice would be to play down the flanks and push the full-backs on," added his team-mate Mark van Bommel. "What Liverpool must not do is play through the air because with Stam and [Alessandro] Nesta, they'll get nowhere. If they play it on ground, it's at least a 50-50 game."