Roberto Baggio’s penalty in 1994, Holland’s double disappointment in the 1970s, Bayern’s late 1999 heartache – defeated finalists have created some of the game’s most enduring images, to which players at all levels can relate
As captain it was my job to go up and col-lect the cup. I may have been 12, but I knew when I was being patronised. We hadn’t come close to winning the Eastleigh District League Cup final, yet here I was, being presented with the fair play award. This was no doubt dreamed up as some kind of consolation prize to ease the disappointment of defeat in a big game. Losing 8-0 was bad enough, but if I needed consoling it was after having to lift that thing in front of a congregation of parents which included my own.
Yes, you get a day out and a medal when you reach a final, but when you’ve built up a runners-up collection like mine you start considering semi-final defeat as a blessing in disguise, something you can forget about. Between 1991 and 2005 I played in six cup finals. I’m yet to win one, so I cringe when I hear pundits harping on about nobody remembering the losers in a cup final. The losers are all I tend to remember.
Bu hikaye When Saturday Comes dergisinin January 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye When Saturday Comes dergisinin January 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
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Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
