Steven Gerrard’s long-range goal against West Ham in injury time in 2006 has come top in a BBC vote to find the best FA Cup final goal from the last 50 years. It is still painful to watch now.
Gerrard later said in his autobiography.
“Everyone associated with West Ham behaved with real dignity in Cardiff, just like the way I try to be in defeat. If they had won, Liverpool could not have complained. Too many of our players were too disappointing. West Ham were desperately unfortunate to lose. Having played so well, it must have been gut-wrenching to go home without the FA Cup, yet they were all gracious.
“It really moved me that in their hour of utter desolation, West Ham fans stayed behind to applaud as I lifted the FA Cup. I’ll never forget that sporting gesture. I’m Liverpool through and through, head to toe, but I have a place in my heart for West Ham supporters after Cardiff.
“Fans like West Ham United’s make football special. Usually when we do a lap of honour with a cup, the opponents’ section is empty. The fans have disappeared, dragging their heartache with them. Not in Cardiff on 13 May 2006.
“The West Ham fans were tremendous, clapping us as we paraded the cup. Both sets of fans were brilliant, which made it such a terrific occasion.”
Could not believe it when it went in,then I just sat there and knew it was coming and knew
who it would be,we out played them all the game but as I keep saying all the best clubs have one person that makes a difference,Liverpool will find out this year how much they are going to miss him,unlike Chelski who brought in good players to replace Lampard,
When the Spuds lost Gaza it took the ten years to bounce back
United missed Catonna until Ronaldo came along ect,ect,
That’s why we need to spend big for a play maker,
Ridiculous, almost seemed to be gaining speed until it the side netting. I remember watching this game and thinking, finally, some silverware but lo and behold, Steve decides to be a worldbeater…
The goal still haunts me, I missed out on a ticket through my season ticket so went to Cardiff without one. Managed to buy one from a bloke from the Birmingham FA. Will remember the day forever. With 90 minutes gone I thought we had won. A friend of mine who is Southampton season ticket holder texted me to say “Well done on winning the FA Cup” the very second Gerrard scored this goal. I still blame him to this day. Such a cruel way to lose!