Vaduz extend Liechtenstein Cup domination

FC Vaduz lived up to their status as favourites in the 64th Liechtenstein Cup final by beating USV Eschen/Mauren 2-1 at the Rheinpark Stadium in front of 2,500 spectators to claim the trophy for the 12th successive year. The victory secured Pierre Littbarski's team, who have just been relegated from the Swiss Super League, a qualifying place in the newly-formed UEFA Europa League next season.

Early chances
Eschen/Mauern started the better and had the first opening after two minutes but Fabio D'Elia failed to take advantage. Marco Colocci and Christoph Biedermann also passed up good chances for the four-time cup winners and they were made to pay when Vaduz struck with their first real opportunity six minutes before the interval, Bruno Sutter sending a free-kick into the area that Australian Mark Rudan headed in.

Frantic finish
Liechtenstein striker Benjamin Fischer doubled Vaduz's lead on the counterattack just before half-time but the underdogs refused to give up and came out for the resumption with plenty of determination. Naim Memeti's 14-metre shot found the net in the 67th minute to inject some excitement back into the match but Littbarski's charges held on during intense and hectic closing minutes to celebrate their 38th victory in 50 Liechtenstein Cup final appearances.