There was certainly no love lost last night in the semi-finals of the Olympics when Brazil took on Argentina. As a game, it was always going to be a show piece, is it not always when these two great South American nations go at it on the field? Now before the game, Rafa was happy that either Lucas or Mascherano were going to return to Anfield and one of them was going to play in the Final. Now what many did not expect was that Lucas was going to get sent off for a challenge on Liverpool team mate Javier Mascherano!

This incident just went to show how much passion there is between the two nations and any ‘love’ the players may have for each other at club level goes out the window. At first I was shocked when I saw Lucas put in such a tackle on Mascherano. I said, “That is your own team mate for crying out loud!” But then I realised that meant nothing on the international stage. Brazil were frustrated at loosing 3 - 0 and were now taking out their frustrations on the Argentines. I am sure if Rafa was watching that match he would have been fuming like I was because Lucas’ challenge on Mascherano could have resulted in a serious injury for the Argentine. And that was not the end of it; Brazil got another red card before the game was over and it was Mascherano again who was tackled! And yet again it was a tackle that could have injured Javier!

I am sure that there is no bad blood between Lucas and Mascherano (well at least I hope not) and that when both players return to Melwood, things will be okay between the two of them. They are two great players with a lot of fight in them and as the professionals they are they will now focus on success for Liverpool.

It’s now been confirmed that Lucas will be in the Brazilian squad for the Olympics this August, leaving us short in the midfield as predicted.

I personally think it will be a chance for Plessis to get his feet wet, and the same for Barry. No pressure, no one behind them for those first few games to shake the cobwebs out. More so for Plessis, to see just what kind of a role he is capable of this season.

I certainly wish all of our players the best of luck in the Olympics, but I certainly won’t be sad to see the back side of them as far as our title chances go. We really don’t want to be playing catch up from the start, so it’s vital we grab those first 9-12 points and not look back.