The Duniyah Cricket Blog

Having witnessed probably the greatest Wimbledon Final ever (Nadal beat Federer in a 5 set epic), I can add it to a list of great finals I am lucky to have witnessed over the years.

Add that to:

1989 FA Cup Final - Liverpool vs Everton (Liverpool won 3-2 after extra time)

I remember Stuart Mccall equalised for Everton in the last minute of normal time to make it 1-1 and take it to extra time. The combo of John Barnes and Ian Rush (who scored 2 in extra time) took Liverpool to a thrilling 3-2 win.
2001 UEFA Cup Final - Liverpool vs Alaves (Liverpool won 5-4 by ‘Golden Goal’ in extra time)

After an incredible 8 goals in normal time with Alaves coming back every time to stop Liverpool taking the title with any ease, Liverpool finally sealed it with a ‘Golden goal’ to win the cup - their third that season, to add to the FA Cup and League Cup.

2001 Wimbledon Men’s Final - Ivanisevic vs Rafter

After 3 failed attempts to win vs Sampras in previous finals, Ivanisevic (a long term favourite player of mine) had somehow got to the final after only coming into the tournie on a ‘Wild card’ entry. His opponent was Rafter, one of the game’s gents and also previously a beaten finalist at the hands of Sampras. It was a tough call on who to support as both guys deserved a win - Ivanisevic because he was on a dream route after so many previous disappointments and Rafter because he was a nice guy. The match was an epic, going to the final set . No tie break, Ivanisevic finally held his nerve to break Rafter and then hold his serve and win something like 12-10 (from memory..whatever it was it was a long final set).

2002 Embassy World Snooker Championships - Ebdon vs Hendry

Peter Ebdon defeated Hendry in a long long final that went on late into the night and I think went to the decider (it was best of 35). Thoroughly gripping, Ebdon finally won a truly memorable final.

2005 Champions League Final - Liverpool vs AC Milan

The final of finals. Being a Liverpool fan, I am fortunate to have witnessed some truly nailbiting finals that Liverpool have actually gone on to win. This game is the stuff of folklore. Milan went 3-0 up in no time at all and at half time, no-one gave Liverpool a prayer of coming back ..although I must say, I had this feeling that something special was going to happen.The Reds clawed their way back with a Gerrard header, a Smicer long range effort and a penalty by Alonso that he scored on the rebound to somehow take it to penalties. Jerzy Dudek was the hero on that night to save penalties and take Liverpool to an unthinkable win…amazing stuff.

2008 Wimbledon Men’s final - Nadal vs Federer

The quality of the tennis was truly stunning…I don’t see how it can get any better. Both players fought so hard every time they were under threat - Federer fought like a champion. But real kudos to Nadal for having the mental strength to come back every time he was down and he had missed chances to seal the match. I don’t think any other player could have had the strength to come back from that. Even better because I was supporting Nadal as he had lost to Federer twice in Wimbledon finals previously and really wanted it. A true epic.

Your contributions are welcome.