Crouch sets sights on success

For the second UEFA Champions League match running, Peter Crouch was the decisive factor for Liverpool FC. Scorer of the game's only goal against FC Girondins de Bordeaux on Wednesday, his contribution was once again instrumental in keeping the five-time European Champion Clubs' Cup winners on course for another serious attempt at scaling the pinnacle of continental club football.

Going all the way
"Of course we believe we can go all the way again," the England striker told uefa.com. "I think we have more strength in depth than when we won it last time, and with a little bit of luck I'm sure we can be serious contenders." His team's Group C victory at the Stade Chaban-Delmas was anything but fortunate, founded as it was on solid defending and making the most of dead-ball situations.

Set pieces
"The manager is always emphasising how important set-pieces are and we practise them a lot," said Crouch, voted Man of the Match by uefa.com users. "Often it makes the difference between winning and losing a game, as we saw this evening." Craig Bellamy, who took the corner that led to Crouch's goal, was understandably pleased with his side's performance. He said: "We did exactly what we had to. And now a win from either of our two upcoming home games will see us through."

'More to come'
Wales captain Bellamy played down the significance of his understanding with Crouch, saying: "The manager has plenty of options up front and I just have to do my best with whoever I am paired with." Crouch was more forthcoming, saying: "Craig deserves a special mention. He worked incredibly hard tonight and his pace is always an asset. Hopefully there's more to come from our partnership."

PSV showdown
With PSV Eindhoven recording an excellent win against Galatasaray SK in Istanbul, Crouch also acknowledged the significance of the looming clash with the Dutch champions on Matchday 5. The 25-year-old said: "That looks like being the big one, and we're determined to finish top of the group. With the game being at Anfield, I'm sure we'll get the right result." And with Crouch scoring so freely, who would bet against his prediction coming true?