Liverpool’s Carling Cup Magic Versus Cardiff City

For those who weren’t glued to the television on Sunday for a hot sports lineup which included the NBA all-star game, WGC match-play final, the Memphis ATP 500 series final, a rained-out Daytona 500 and the Academy Awards (sorry Moneyball), you might have missed one of the best soccer matches of the year. I know it’s still early in 2012, but this year’s Carling Cup final had a number of intriguing elements leading into the opening kickoff. And the emotions that come with a cup final turned this match into an instant classic.

On paper this final looked like David (Cardiff City) versus Goliath (Liverpool). The Championship versus the English Premier league. Wales versus England. Cardiff had the chance to become the first Welsh team to win a major trophy since 1927. And Liverpool has lifted the Football League Cup more than any other team, but had gone trophyless over the last six years. Thankfully, the game did not dissappoint.

David took the lead in the 19th minute and Goliath was on his heals until Liverpool converted off a corner in the 60th minute. Heading into extra time tied at 1-1, Liverpool was earning the better of the chances. But in the 108th minute, the Flying Dutchman, Dirk Kuyt fought hard for a rebound and buried the opportunity inside the near post to give Liverpool a 2-1 advantage late in extra time.

Cardiff City was not to be denied, earning their very first corner kick with aggressive play in the 116th minute. That chance went begging after Kuyt was able to clear a certain goal off the line with a header. After coming so close to scoring, the Bluebirds were able to tuck away the tying goal on their second corner kick of the game in the 118th minute. Cardiff’s #25 Ben Turner out-wrestled Kuyt, who was unable to be the savior on this occasion. The game was headed to penalties - marking just the third time that has happened in a League Cup finals over the 50 year history of the competition (Liverpool winning the 2001 League Cup final in a penalty shootout).

Stephen Gerard won the coin toss and chose the end of the field boasting more Liverpool supporters, Cardiff would shoot second. Liverpool’s skipper Kenny Dalglish again turned to his captain, Stephen Gerrard to take the first penalty. However, it was Cardiff’s goalkeeper, #22 Heaton who would steal the spotlight, making a top-shelf save diving to his right. Advantage Cardiff City. But the Bluebirds could not capitalize. Cardiff’s #9 Miller stepped to the mark and rocketed a shot off the right goalpost and out. The teams were level after round one.

It was Scotland’s first team veteran Charlie Adam to take the next penalty for Liverpool. He uncharacteristically launched his attempt high and wide left, missing the frame by several yards. Could Cardiff take advantage of this second opportunity? Bluebirds’ #8 Don Cowie answered that question with a resounding YES - striking an excellent penalty high into the left corner of the goal.

With his team trailing 0-1 in the penalty shootout, Dirk Kuyt would come up big again. Scoring a terrific penalty in which he had the keeper diving in the wrong direction. Cardiff would hit their second post of the shootout, leaving the score tied 1-1 after three rounds. Liverpool’s #19 Stewart Downing and Cardiff’s #7 Peter Whittingham would each convert on similar-looking efforts to the left side of goal. The score notched at 2-2 heading into a fifth round and sudden death

Glen Johnson roofed his 5th round penalty leaving Cardiff’s Anthony Gerrard to face the pressure of a must-make penalty in the biggest game of his professional career. Ultimately the moment proved too great for the young man; his penalty missed the target low and left. The mixed emotions of the moment were crystal clear with Pepe Reina jumping for joy as the kick dribbled wide and other Liverpool players collapsing in a pile with excitement. While several Cardiff players could be seen shedding tears. Cardiff City had delivered a valiant effort but it was Liverpool’s night to lift the League Cup trophy for a record 8th time.