The goal came early as Schemmel fired a low ball in from the right where the former Kop star was waiting to fire past Jersey Dudek in the fourth minute. The fact it came moments after Emile Heskey had hit the post made the goal all the more sweeter.
Another 'failed player' in the lineup was Shaka Hislop, who had a strong game to keep dangerous shots from Heskey and Riise.
That's not to say Liverpool had all the attack though - far from it. Indeed, Yakubu Ayegbini was unlucky not to seal the win in the dying stages as his shot thumped against the crossbar and away from danger. Igor Biscan had earlier tried to help his opponents on their way as his headed clearance from a Portsmouth free-kick nearly ended in disaster for the game's other Czech star.
The victory moves Pompey up to eighth in the table - one place above Liverpool, nonetheless.