Phillips fires U18s into American final

Having taken the lead through Harry Wilson's sixth-minute strike, Haifa came back into the game with a goal from striker Or Eiloz after 71 minutes.

With the teams level on points but Haifa having a far superior goal difference, Liverpool looked to be heading out of the tournament until Phillips broke free in the box with just seconds remaining to poke the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net.

Phillips - the youngster player in the squad at just 15 years of age - will return to school next week when his summer holidays end and is not yet up to doing interviews

But Liverpool's other hero on the night, goalkeeper Andrew Firth, who had earlier saved a first-half penalty, was more than happy to speak to Liverpoolfc.com.

"I made a couple of saves and was just happy to help keep the team in it," he said. "But what a way to finish the game and take us into the final!

"To be honest, I was gutted that we were going out with 90 minutes up and then I saw Adam running through and I was trembling at the knees in case he missed it.

"When it went in, I just went mad! I've never celebrated a goal like it in my life.

"I just lost my head and was like a little kid at Christmas. That was the best feeling I've had for a long time. Now we've got a big test on Saturday against what will be a really good team and I can't wait.

"To be honest, the whole trip has been fantastic. I've been to America once before with my family but to come to New York with Liverpool is just unbelievable.

"It's like a whole different planet. To get to visit Manhattan on Thursday and see all the sights was a great experience. It's just the best place in the world!"

The final of the Newark Liberty International Soccer Summit in New Jersey will take place on Sunday at 12.30am BST. Follow @LFCUSA on Twitter for live updates from Newark.