This week I decided to discuss one of my favorite moments in
Manchester United’s history. It his
arguably Ryan Giggs greatest moment and I was reminded by this because Giggs
next appearance for the club will be his 900th. Such a brilliant career with so many great
moments but moment was unforgettable. In
1999 Manchester United was having a brilliant year and they faced Arsenal in
the FA Cup semi-final. It was a game for
the ages that had viewers glued to the television screen. United took the early advantage and went up
1-0. They had numerous opportunities to
extend their lead but couldn’t capitalize.
Arsenal battled back and tied the score up. The game seemed to be heading into extra time
until Man U defender Phil Neville conceded a penalty kick. The game seemed all but over with Arsenal
stealing a late winner. I remember I was
afraid to watch and it was down to goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel to save
United. All I remember is my dad
screaming in joy and I looked at the TV to see the replay of Schmeichel making
a lunging save. The game went to extra
time but the outcome still favored Arsenal as United were down to ten men. With all the odds stacked against United
Giggs picked up the ball on the wing and did this.
Every time I watch this video I am simply amazed. The skill required to make this run is purely
amazing. To keep a ball under that
control running at full speed is incredibly difficult but he makes it look so
simple. I also find it amusing when he
rips off his shirt and show his full chest of hair. United would hold on to win this game and
would eventually win the FA Cup. Along
with the FA Cup United would win the league and would be crowned champions of
Europe, becoming the first English team
to complete the treble.
I really like how you included your experience of watching this moment in real time with your dad. I enjoy the posts that review the team's past because I don't know very much about soccer and seeing where this team has come from allows for a greater appreciation of the program. The video is incredible and I can't imagine what it must be like to have that kind of athletic skill!
ReplyDeleteEven though I played soccer for pretty much my entire life, I was never really into watching the european leagues. I would rarely watch the WPS when that was reintroduced a couple of years ago. I like the european leagues because there is a lot more skill involved than in the US league. It's these types of moments that really make soccer such a great sport. I can understand why these guys are the professionals, the amount of skilled required to pull off that play is quite substaintal. I love his celebration as well, he certainly has the passion required!
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