Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Great teams play in the Greatest Games
1. Liverpool - FA Cup Champions 2005/2006
What a match, the best player in the world - Steven Gerrard created 1 and scored 2 to bring the match to 3-3 after 90 mins. Then, Reina does a Dudek by saving magnificently in extra time and saves 3 penalties to bring back memories of Istanbul. Unlike Henry or Ronaldinho in the Champs League Final, our best player rises to the occasion to lead the team once again to glory. Scoring 2 fantastic equalisers, especially that heart-stopping last-minute 35-yard screamer that brought us into extra time. After that I knew it was our final, with Reina an established penalty-saver back in Spain, he didn't dissapoint to give us one of the best FA Cup finals in history. Liverpool 3 - 3 West Ham (Liverpool win 3-1 on penalties)
Come to think of it, Liverpool has given the football world the best UEFA Cup final, Champions League final and now, the best FA Cup final in history.
2. 2001, when we won an unprecedented 5 trophies in 5 months.
The best UEFA Cup final in history, Markus Babbel and Stevie G put the Reds 2 up before Alaves pulled one back. Then, MOTM Gary McAllister converts a penalty won by Owen. 3-1.
Somehow, the Spaniards score 2 to equalise followed by another Liverpool goal, this time from Robbie Fowler to put Liverpool ahead once more. Again, Alaves didn't just lay down and die and scored their 3rd header of the match to make it 4-4 two minutes before the final whistle.
Then Smicer wins a free kick in extra time, McAllister drifts in a cross, headed into his own goal by Jelly (his name was something like that, I remember), Liverpool wins by Golden Goal. Liverpool 5 - 4 Alaves
3. 2005, who can forget that night in Istanbul.
AC Milan went 3-0 up, we hit back with 3 of our own, led by the Great Gerrard (who else?). Dudek dances during penalties and the rest, is history. 5 times European Champions, baby. Liverpool 3 - 3 AC Milan (Liverpool wins 3-2 on penalties)
