Sunday, May 14, 2006
Liverpool bag FA CUP
After a thrilling 90 minutes, the final score could not be decided as both Liverpool and West Ham United had 3 goals at each side and the final decision was made during the penalty shoot-outs. During the first half of the game, Jammie Carragher scored an own goal in an attempt to clear the ball. Soon after thier 1 goal lead, Dean Ashton scored another to double thier lead and increased the pressure on Liverpool. Before the half time whistle blew, Cisse scored on a sliding volley for Liverpool making the score 2-1. After the beginning of the second half, the pressure was back on Liverpool. But they had gone through more bitter conditions during the UEFA final and captain Steven Gerrard helped his team make the score level by smashing a right-foot volley into the top-left corner of the goal. Liverpool could not rejoice for long as Konchesky, who was trying for a cross, ended his shoot perfectly in the top-right corner. In the 92nd minute of the game, Gerrard helped his team to come back in the game as he shot a right-foot volley from 35 yards out of the box straight into the goal without the keeper doing much about it. The extra time given after the match could not provide an answer and the game went on to penalties. History repeated itself as Liverpool met a similar condition at the FA CUP as they did at the UEFA CUP final. Hamman, Risse and captain Gerrard shot successful penalties for Liverpool and only Sherringham shot a penalty from West Ham. Rest all were denied by the Spanish keeper and Reina made three exciting and extraordinary saves providing Liverpool the victory after they had been two goals down in the first half. Liverpool lift this trophy for the seventh time.