Date:01/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/01/stories/2008050160602100.htm

Sport - Football

Bayern pins hopes on Toni

ST. PETERSBURG: The stage is set for Luca Toni. The Italian striker returns from suspension for Thursday’s second leg of the UEFA Cup football semifinals at Zenit St. Petersburg with Bayern Munich needing at least one goal after drawing 1-1 at home last week.

And with 36 goals in all competitions in his first season with Bayern, including a tournament-high 10 in the UEFA Cup, Toni is the player both teams will be focusing on.

“Luca is a great striker, it’s always better when he’s there,” Bayern midfielder Mark van Bommel said.

Zenit captain Anatoly Timoshchuk knows his side must mark Toni tightly.

“Of course, Toni’s return will add to our problems.

“Their entire game is built around him,” he said. — AP