Bayern's Hitzfeld praises "ruthless" Toni</p> MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld praised the ruthlessness of Luca Toni as the Italian goal-scorer struck again as the German giants booked their place in the UEFA Cup's group phase. Thursday's 2-0 win over Portuguese side Belenenses at the Estadio do Restelo gave Bayern a 3-0 aggregate lead to put them in the cup's group stages which starts later this month. After a lacklustre first-half, Italian World Cup winner Toni put Bayern ahead with an impressive finish on 59 minutes, his eighth goal of the season, until midfielder Hamit Altintop made the result safe on 76 minutes. "Luca Toni is unbelievably ruthless," said Hitzfeld on Friday. "The opening goal relieved the tension, and we played to our potential after that. "We've done what we had to do, and we're through to the group phase. "My team had a lot to lose, and that'll always be in the back of the players' minds. "Apart from Ze Roberto in midfield, none of my players can be proud of the first half." Toni has been an instant hit since his 11 million euros (15 million dollars) switch from Italian side Fiorentina last summer and has forged an elite partnership with Miroslav Klose and the pair have 14 Bundesliga goals between them. "Belenenses were a very well organised team, and we had trouble breaking them down," said the 30-year-old Italian. "We needed to be more patient, bide our time and wait for the breakthrough." Bayern are back in league action this weekend looking to cement their place at the top of the Bundesliga when they host struggling German Cup holders Nuremberg on Sunday.</p>
Re: Bayern's Hitzfeld praises Nürnberg should be back on track sometime soon, so I expect Bayern will have to work hard to earn that win.</p>
Re: Bayern's Hitzfeld praises Yea, Nurnberg is one of the teams that could beat Bayern. (the others being schalke, stuttgart and bremen)</p>
Re: Bayern's Hitzfeld praises There are quite a few Bundesliga sides that can beat Bayern actually. Don't forget Hertha BSC. I'm certain that club can take down the boys of Bavaria.</p> </p> Anywho, do check the FIFA 08 thread. Ha!</p>
