Both boats sped towards the start line and crossed at the same time but the Kiwis built a 14-second lead at the top mark.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Sailing | Alinghi on brink of retaining Cup

Alinghi built a 16-second lead at the final mark and despite NZL 92 pushing hard behind, the Swiss side maintained their advantage to the line.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Sailing | Alinghi on brink of retaining Cup

Even with Gerrard, Torres and Joe Cole in the starting line-up, Liverpool attacks were in short supply and Rovers took a deserved lead on the half-hour mark.

BBC: Morten Gamst Pedersen, Benjani and Christopher Samba