In the 45th minute, as halftime approached,
both sides accelerated the pace of the game.
Sporting Lisbon, the team with poorer physical fitness, was clearly at a disadvantage.
Liverpool's left winger Babel passed the ball to Gary McAllister in the middle, who then forwarded it to Heskey.
After passing, McAllister did not continue to advance, but his central midfield partner Gerard began to push forward.
This was also a routine coordination between the two.
While McAllister focused more on defense during routine passing, the young Gerard was primarily responsible for movement and handling both offense and defense.
Heskey didn't stop the ball, returning it immediately, then turned and made a run toward the right front.
Gerard rushed up to receive the football and looked towards Owen to the left front.
Owen faked to the right, shaking off Feng Te, and then accelerated toward the left front.
Feng Te gave chase in an ungainly fashion.
