The game is etched into the memory of football lovers the world over. It was the 1999 FA Cup Semi Final Replay, and Manchester United clashed with arch Rivals Arsenal. The game had ended 1 – 1, and went into extra time to separate the two giants. Arsenal had the upper hand when United were reduced to 10 men, and were awarded a penalty. Dennis Bergkamp stepped up to end United’s dreams of the highly unlikely Treble (League, Cup and Champions League), but the giant Dane Peter Schmeichel saved the spot kick. This seemed to inspire the Red Devils, who surged forward.
The goal itself was unbelievable. Patrick Vieira spread the ball wide to his right but Giggs intercepted the pass deep in his own half. He sped down the left wing, and reached the opposition box unopposed. 4 defenders closed him down, but Giggs weaved his way through the defenders and proceeded to hammer the ball home from the edge of the box – into the roof of the despairing Seaman’s net. His celebration, where he removed his shirt and swung it around his head while he sprinted towards his team mates, is almost as legendary as the goal itself. A classic moment in football that won the title “Goal of the Century”.
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