Rangers downed by Zenit in Uefa Cup final

http://www.onlinesport.ro/uploads/modules/news/25017/uefa.jpg

Rangers were downed 2-0 by Zenit St. Petersburg today in the Uefa cup final.  Rangers were outclassed for most of the game, and were only able muster a handful of decent shots on goal.  Zenit controlled the game and the possession.  They were able to attack well off of the counter attack and made it count when they scored both of their goals.  Andriy Arshivan was the most dangerous player on the field throughout the game.  He was sent free off a long ball from the back and rounded the goalie and fired on goal.  The ball was goal bound but Sasa Papac raced back to the goal line and headed it away.  He wouldn't be denied however as he set up Igor Denisov for the first goal.  Arshivan moved to the center and then sent Denisov free to only have to beat the goalie, which he calmly did.  Rangers threw their team forward and were punished for their lack of defense when Konstantin Zyrlanov sent Rangers home with nothing to show for their efforts.  Zyrlanov worked some space passed away and received the ball with only a tap in remaining.  Rangers will still compete for the domestic treble but will be disappointed that they were not able to leave Manchester with a nice big trophy.  

Rangers make push for UEFA glory

Walter Smith wants Rangers to make the most of their chance for Uefa cup glory in Manchester tomorrow.  Manchester is expecting upwards of 100,000 Rangers fans who do not have tickets for the game.  All of the hotel rooms in Manchester have been booked.  A Caravan of over 100 cars left Ibrox this morning adorned in Ranger's Blue and White.  They will snake their way down to Manchester in time for the game tomorrow.  Walter Smith said "This season has been terrific for us so far and we've got opportunities to make it even better,"  Tomorrow Rangers will be going for their second trophy out of a possible 4.  They have already won the League Cup, and they will contest for the Uefa Cup, the Scottish Cup, and the SPL title.  Smith is happy just to be this far in Europe.  "The European competition is obviously not one we thought we would get as far in, so it's a nice surprise."  He also will not overplay his competitions success and the challenge it will present.  "Zenit have also had a terrific season, won their championship and find themselves in the final too. It will be a very difficult game."  The kick off is set for 2:45 ET.  Coverage on Fox Soccer Channel starts at 2:30 ET.  Enjoy the game!

A first for Zizzo, and Beasley almost back

Sal Zizzo made his Bundesliga debut, at 21 years old.  He came on as a second half substitute.  Hannover, however, were beaten 6-1 on the day, but a game Sal will never forget.  In other news Damarcus Beasley was on the bench for Rangers today, after sustaining major knee damage in the Champions League, against Stuttgart.  He did not play, but it is a positive sign as he could be ready for the UEFA cup final against Zenit St. Petersburg on Wednesday.