We watched a shedload of football in 2013, and here’s the first five games we most fondly remember… in no particular order mind…
Wigan 1 Manchester City 0
While we were all pretty bored of the Dave Whelan story by the time the game kicked off, a new legend was born at Wembley on May 11. The game itself, as Cup finals go, was pretty open but the real drama was reserved for the closing stages. Pablo Zabaleta was sent off with three minutes to go and then, in stoppage time, Ben Watson headed home the winner. It was a real giantkilling in the truest sense of the Cup. Sadly, the Latics were relegated shortly afterwards, and Roberto Mancini got the sack too.
Dortmund 3 Malaga 2
Malaga were unbelievably close to being the team of the 2013 Champions League. Instead, a crazy ending put Jurgen Klopp’s team through and they became the media darlings and everyone’s second favourite team. The Spaniards took what looked to be an unassailable 2-1 lead on the night and on aggregate in the 82nd minute via Eliseu but Dortmund battled back.
Here’s the closing stages with some great German commentary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOOKbrJUmf8
Italy 4 Japan 3
A completely unexpected, and delicious, treat. This year’s Confederations Cup was easily the best ever (not much of a compliment) and this game was a rip-roaring gem from the group stages.
This game had everything. Seven goals, dodgy penalties and more woodwork action than your nearest carpenter. Bask in all the delicious highlights right here.
Liverpool 2 Chelsea 2
This game had a bit of bite, wha? yes, now more famous for Luis Suarez’s nibble on Branislav Ivanovic, it should also be remembered that this was a cracker of a match. Oscar had put Chelsea ahead before Daniel Sturridge tapped home a Suarez cross to level it up.
Suarez was then adjudged to have handballed in his own box, resulting in a spot kick that was converted by Eden Hazard. Shortly afterwards, the striker bit Ivanovic at a corner but referee Kevin Friend didn’t see what the whole world saw and Suarez escaped immediate sanction.
Then, of course, the Uruguayan popped up to score the equaliser in the seventh minute of injury time. The fallout from that game was enormous, and not fully cleaned up until his return to action in October.
Sligo Rovers 3 Drogheda United 2
Irish soccer’s showpiece has been an annual cracker for a while now, but this year’s version took drama to new levels. Cup specialists Sligo were expected to win but the Drogs lead early thanks to Paul O’Conor. It took the arrival of super sub Danny North to turn the game back to the Bit o’Red as he scored a brace to put Sligo in the lead. Drogheda equalised in stoppage time thanks to Ryan Brennan and we were just getting ourselves ready for extra-time when Anthony Elding lashed home the winner for Sligo.
Most of the goals were top drawer, the atmosphere was great and the ending was out of this world. Roll on 2014.
