Tuesday, May 16, 2006

FA Cup

I watched West Ham, the team I have followed since I was seven, play in one of the greatest FA Cup Finals on Saturday night. Liverpool were overwhelming favourites but in 15 minutes of madness early in the first half West Ham were leading them 2-0. Liverpool came back into it solely through the genius of Steven Gerrard, who made and scored three goals, the last in injury time to level the scores 3-3. Extra time was excruciating, but not for the usual reason of pointlessly extending a boring 0-0 match. All subs had been used and both teams had hobbling injured players, some hardly moving at all. Marlon Harewood had a gilt-edged chance to win it for West Ham from two metres out, but could only wave his gammy leg at the ball.

It went to penalties. Pepe Reina had played a dog of a game in goals for Liverpool, but redeemed himself magnificently by saving 3 of West Ham's penalties and winning the game for Liverpool.

Although my team lost, it was a completely exhilarating game and I did not sleep for hours afterwards.

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