Istanbul is a city located in Turkey. It is Turkey's largest city with an area of 5461Km². It has a population of more than 14 million people. Istanbul is the 8th most populous City proper in the world (our Lagos in Nigeria is the 4th most populous City proper in the world). Many people will assume it is the capital. It isn't. Ankara is. And it was this venue; Ataturk stadium in Istanbul that hosted the 2005 Champions league final.
The 2005 champions league final played in this venue reminded us of the famous story of David and Goliath. I will dare everyone including ladies who are not football fans or lovers to see that game. Then, you will understand why it was dubbed the miracle of Istanbul. It looked like those fairy tale movies with a happy ending especially romantic ones (You know what I mean).
Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul
Source: wikipedia
AC Milan's line up
Source: dipag.com
Liverpool's line up
Source: alamy.com
Before the final kicked off, sport pundits already gave it to AC Milan because of the star-studdedness of the team. Liverpool didn't even finish in the Premiership's top four. They were a team of average players. Even Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was not so optimistic, stating that the Liverpool side were not as good as the one that had won the 2001 UEFA Cup Final. These were his words: "No disrespect to the squad we have got now but it is obvious we are not as strong as we were when we won the UEFA Cup in 2001. Back then we had a settled team and that season when we went into games against Barcelona and Roma, we always felt we were as good as them." - wikipedia
FIRST HALF
Paolo Maldini celebrating after the goal in the first minute of the game
Source: dailymail.co.uk
And so the final began. As predicted by sport pundits, Paolo Maldini volleyed in the first goal in the very first minute from an Andrea Pirlo free kick committed by Djimi Traore. That goal made Maldini the oldest scorer in the Uefa Champions league history. Play stabilized until the 39th minute where Hernan Crespo latched onto a Shevchenko's pass to make 2-0. Five minutes later, Crespo scored a brace from Kaka's Pass. That action ended the first half. And at half time, Milan were already popping champaigne in the dressing room.
SECOND HALF (THE MIRACLE HALF)
Captain Fantastic with the resurrection
Source: thehardtackle.com
The second half started in quieter fashion which each teams trying to stabilize. Milan holding on and Liverpool trying to find their foot. And then in the 54th minute, Captain Fantastic (Steven Gerard) rose with the hallmark of a fighter and pulled one back from a John Arne Riise's cross. Two minutes later, Vladamir Smicer sent a tornado towards goal to make it 3-2. More thanks to Milan Baros who decided not to deflect or make any contact with the ball. What an unselfish play that was. And four minutes later, Captain Fantastic ran into Milan's 18yard box to connect with Baros lay off and was brought down by Gennaro Gattuso. I know Manchester United fans remembered this guy. Lol. A penalty was awarded to Liverpool. AC Milan thought they were dreaming after seeing their three goal lead almost evaporating into thin air. The resulting penalty was taken by the great Xabi Alonso. The penalty was saved but he was smart to knock in the rebound to make it 3-3 apiece. A lot followed after but the game held on and finished 3-3 at normal time (90 minutes).
EXTRA TIME
Liverpool started the first half of the extra time brightly with two unconverted chances. Then, the fatigue began to set in. Vladamir Smicer was treated for a cramp, and a host of Liverpool players were tired and worn out. I can remember Hebrews saying strengthen the feeble knee, mark out a straight path for your feet, that those who follow will not be weary. They kept on. AC Milan had the best of chances in the second half of the extra time. A shot and a rebound by Andriy Shevchenko were kept out by Jerzy Dudek. Liverpool had the final chance with John Arne Riise's free kick hitting the wall. The referee blew the whistle and penalties were to follow.
PENALTY (HOLD YOUR HEART IN YOUR MOUTH)
Andriy Shevchenko's penalty miss that gave Liverpool the day
Source: dailymail.co.uk
AC Milan took the first penalty with Serginho missing his sport kick. Then Liverpool scored from the spot to make it 0-1. But when checking wikipedia, I found out that Dietmar Hamann who scored the first spot kick had a broken toe. That amazed me and triggered the topic: what really happened in Istanbul. Also, Vladamir Smicer who had cramps earlier in the extra time scored the fourth penalty for Liverpool. And not to forget Jerzy Dudek's heroic mimicking of Bruce Grobbelaar's spaghetti legs in 1984 finals against Roma.
HERE COME THE CHAMPIONS
The Stadium went agog as Liverpool clinched the 2005 Champions league trophy against all odds
Source: pbs.twimg.com
Liverpool lifting the trophy
Source: thefalse9.com
Liverpool had every excuse not to win that game. Despite all odds, Liverpool carried the day. Sport analysts/pundits didn't give them a chance. They even had self doubt. But decided to play through the pain. Narrowing it down to our everyday life, we might be giving excuses for what is not working trying to explain it away. But, it's time to face the giant by drawing strength from within. Stop the excuses and give it your all even when the seemingly best choice is to quit. Remember, what makes a great story is the size of the obstacle one had to cross. Never give up even when it hurts.
