Last Saturday (8th March) was a shocking day.
No, it's got nothing to do with the General Election results. Manchester United's FA Cup dream was dashed after losing 0-1 to Portsmouth.
Despite controlling most of the match, United was having a string of bad luck. In addition to that, the refereeing of the match was appalling. United should have had a clear cut penalty when Pompey's Slyvain Distin clearly made no attempt to get the ball, and body-checked Ronaldo in the box. However, referee Martin Atkinson waved away United's claim, a decision which left Alex Ferguson fuming on the touchline. The Red Devils can feel a deep sense of frustration, and injustice too.
Portsmouth would have been a goal down inside 20 minutes, but for some brave defending by Glen Johnson. Tevez broke down the right and put Rooney one on one with keeper David James, but Wayne was not quick enough to get his shot away and James saved. Tevez latched onto the loose ball and fired towards goal, but Johnson cleared off the line.
Shortly after United had a second penalty claim turned down by the referee. John Utaka bundled into Nani inside the area, though it was a far less clear cut than Ronaldo's incident. United had plenty of attacking opportunities in the first half, most frequently on the counter. But the final pass, decision to whether to shoot or not, wasn't quite right. United's crossing also wasn't as sharp as it needed to be against the towering figures of Distin, Campbell & Hreidarsson.
In the 78th minute, Pompey snatched victory through a penalty, which resulted in a red card for sub keeper Kuszczak. Yes, I do admit it was a foul, but it did not warranted a sending off, because there were still two United players defending & the keeper was not the last man. A yellow card was the correct decision.
With that outrages decision by match official, Rio Ferdinand pulled on the keeper's jersey & gloves, and took his place between the posts. Even though guessing the right way where the ball went, he was unable to stop Sully Muntari's powerful shot hitting the back of the net.
United then threw men forward in search for an equaliser to rescue their FA Cup dream, but it was not to be. Harry Redknapp's men managed to hold on the lead & claim victory at Old Trafford and a place in the semi-finals.
United's FA Cup dream was officially over for this season.
pictures courtesy of:
www.manutd.com
www.news.bbc.co.uk
www.football.guardian.co.uk
