You couldn’t make it up. Relegated, bankrupt and shamed Pompey are in the FA Cup final, having overcome Tottenham on Sunday with two goals in extra time.
Portsmouth’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Saturday, and then on Sunday faced Spurs, who were odds-on favourites to reach the final.
The match was poised at 0-0 after 90 minutes, and then disaster befell Harry Redknapp’s team, whilst the manager looked like an amused victim of a practical joke. The crucial goal came when Michael Dawson slipped on the dreadful Wembley pitch, allowing Frederic Piquionne time and space to put the ball in the net for the lead.
Redknapp’s face was a picture – as the Portsmouth contingent celebrated wildly, their former manager wore the same expression as he had during that famous training ground interview, when someone kicked the ball at him.
Pompey’s progression to the final was then confirmed when Wilson Palacios gave away a penalty with a couple of minutes to go, and Kevin-Prince Boateng converted the penalty.
Unfortunately for the neutrals, Redknapp’s post-match interview was not as enjoyable as we hoped, saying, “I always knew it was going to be a difficult game” rather than anything inflammatory.
Portsmouth will now face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday 15th May.
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I think Portsmouth could now go on and win the cup…
I know it seems unlikely and the odds are all against it; but it’s about time the underdogs brought home the trophy to bring back a little FA cup magic.
Being a Spurs fan I was horrified how we played, but at least we kicked Arsenals arse