Pics: Final disappointment for Reds
There was disappointment for Liverpool's Ability Counts team as they were beaten in the European Disabled football tournament final by FC Zurich on Saturday.
The Reds' delight at reaching the final was shattered as they lost 5-1 in Switzerland, but the scoreline wasn't a fair reflection on an engaging contest at Ruggell's premier football complex.
After a goalless first half, Zurich took the lead but Warren Worswick deservedly drew Liverpool level with a well-taken effort.
However, the Swiss side managed to find the back of the net four more times against the run of play thanks to a string of quick-fire counter attacks
Nonetheless, head coach Joe Unsworth admitted he was proud with the efforts of his players, not only in the final but over the course of their week-long stay in Switzerland.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Wherever they go, the lads always do the club proud. They always conduct themselves in an exceptional way for Liverpool Football Club.
"Considering some of the learning and physical disabilities, it's amazing how they perform, how they react in front of people and mix with others - they are a great bunch of lads,
"The scoreline doesn't reflect the game, really. I thought if we had one more defender today it would have been a different game because we had to play Warren, our main striker, as a full-back today.
"He's capable of playing all over the park, but if we'd been able to release him I think the game could very well have ended in a draw."
Click on the play button below to watch an emotional FREE video from Switzerland
The Ability Counts team have made a huge impression on everyone they've encountered in Ruggell this week - a point proven by Liverpool U16s' eagerness to lead the lads out onto the pitch for the final before cheering them on from the sidelines.
Earlier in the day, the Rapid Vienna U16 squad and staff also wished the Reds the best of luck and exchanged gifts with the players.
Meanwhile, upon the final whistle, Liechtenstein Prime Minister Dr. Klaus Tschutsche came onto the pitch to congratulate Liverpool on their gallant efforts and enjoy a kick about with the players.
Unsworth added: "They've made a massive impression on everyone.
"They can be very proud of themselves. They're gutted they lost today because they were determined to bring the cup back to Liverpool as they did last year.
"But we're absolutely made up with them because we saw from the outset from today's game that they were playing against a higher band of disabled players than they're used to.
Check out our photos of the Ability Counts squad's day
