Late Kuyt goal sends Liverpool into Europa League Last-16 round

Dirk Kuyt's 86^th minute header in the second-leg against Sparta Prague sent Liverpool into the last 16 of the Europa League with an aggregate score of 1-0.

After a dour goalless draw in the first-leg at the Generali Arena, both teams were more ambitious. However, there were many sloppy passes and mistakes, making it an entertaining spectacle.

Liverpool should have scored long before Kuyt did after Raul Meireles, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and David Ngog all had their efforts saved. Kyrgiakos had his header poked away by Prague keeper Jaromir Blazek, while Meireles shot too high. Ngog also had his effort saved as the reds pressed for the opener.

However, it was relief for Anfield after Dirk Kuyt eventually scored. He powered in a header from a Meireles corner for the lone goal of the tie.

In injury time, Joe Cole,who was handed his first start under Kenny Dalglish, raced clear with just Blazek to beat, but put his shot wide. It didn't prove costly however, as Liverpool secured their first European win under manager Kenny Dalglish.