Portsmouth

Finally, hard work and perseverance pay off as Redknapp wins first major Cup

The true magic of the FA Cup was evident on Saturday when two underdogs of the competition, Portsmouth and Cardiff took over the Wembley turf in what pundits will surely describe as a classic cup-tie in the world’s oldest cup competition.

Harry Redknapp richly deserved victory in the FA Cup final

Only the weather was the characteristic that was not typical of the usual Saturday sunny May day that have become synonymous with the FA Cup final. But in what turned out to be a cool afternoon, the game started at an unexpectedly frenetic pace with Pompey winning a free kick within the first 30 seconds. But as Sully Muntari’s free kick flew high of the Cardiff goal, it became slowly evident that Dave Jones’ men were here to play football, and not make up numbers.

Perry, the lively striker, outpaced Sol Campbell only to hit his shot straight at David James. Just moments before, James had made up 12 yards rushing onto a through ball and preventing Perry from making contact. The tenacity at which James had smelt Cardiff’s danger demonstrated the goalkeeper’s great starting position.

Judging by the way Cardiff passed the ball around, it seemed more likely the Welsh finalists would find the first goal. However, midway through the first half, Kanu single handedly carved out his own chance with a fantastic turn and great close feet movement, only finding goalkeeper Peter Encklemen’s post. The fanfare of this great cup competition was clearly evident when television replays showed three time winner Tony Adams turn to manager Harry Redknapp and scream ‘I can’t believe it!’

But even if Cardiff continued to trouble Pompey, it was Lassana Diarra’s cameo in midfield that really caught the eye in the first half. The former Arsenal man was by far the best player on the pitch, and his first touch, strength and determination were beautiful to watch.

Jones may have felt Cardiff were good enough in that first half to warrant a goal, but patient wing play from the ever-unpredictable John Utaka resulted in his deep cross being parried by goalkeeper Encklemen straight to Kanu, who instinctively turned the ball into the net.

What followed for the next seven minutes demonstrated why the FA Cup is a competition that keeps even the simplest supporters off their seats. Sol Campbell made a excellent interception against Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink just moments from the restart, whilst Perry stayed onside a minute later only for a cross to be too strong for the on rushing right back.

A classic Cup tie continued into the second half with good performances from the winger Joe Ledley and defender Glenn Loovens. Ledley caused Pompey right-back Glenn Johnson problems all afternoon, whilst Loovens comfortable dealt with Kanu. But as the game went on, Cardiff ran out of steam. Even the introduction of the much talked about Andrew Ramsey was not enough to save them. Portsmouth hung on near the end, but as the game went on they looked the more likely to score whilst Cardiff left gaps at the back seeking a equaliser, David Nugent going closest.

Compared to last year’s final, the performances of Portsmouth and Cardiff City put shame upon that dire game that was settled by a single Didier Drogba goal late into extra time.

This season’s FA Cup showed just how the magic of the Cup is as much for teams outside the top four as it is within the elite.

The 2008 final had it all - two underdogs in the final, the first English manager to win the competition since Joe Royle, and Portsmouth became the first team to win the competition outside the big four for 12 years. Yet the competition this year has had fairytales in each round. Barnsley knocked out both Liverpool and Chelsea, Havant & Waterlooville scared Liverpool for 45 minutes, Premier League teams fell as quick as dominoes and Portsmouth’s run to the final was a dream come true for one of England’s most respected gaffers.

Well done Harry. Well done to the FA Cup.

Tags: Cardiff City, Championship, Dave Jones, FA Cup, Harry Redknapp, Kanu

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