FA Cup Final 2006 was tied at 3-3 after extra time
Liverpool were to take the first penalty of the shoot out and sent forward their experienced German, Dietmar Hamann. He side footed his shot into the bottom corner and although Hislop went the right way, he couldn’t keep it out.
It was just the start Liverpool needed to settle any nerves and amazingly, they now led the tie for the first time.
Bobby Zamora stepped up for West Ham, needing to score to keep the game level. His penalty was well struck but Reina went the right way and managed to turn it away.
If Liverpool could convert their next spot kick then they would put themselves two up and really pile the pressure on the Hammers.
FA Cup Final 2006
Cisse scores
Penalty Shootout
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Sami Hyypia was the player given the task of doing just that. It seemed a strange choice for Liverpool, as although Hyypia was greatly experienced, he was hardly renowned for his ability to strike a ball.
Hyypia’s shot was weak and too close to Hislop who made the save. It was now crucial for West Ham to take advantage of this and score their kick to level the game again.
Shaka Hislop faced Crouch and Gerrard again in the World Cup in 2006 when Trinidad and Tobago played England. Both Liverpool players scored in a 2-0 win.
They couldn’t have had a better man in their ranks to send forward. Teddy Sheringham, England’s veteran striker, coolly placed his shot into the bottom corner out of Reina’s reach. The game was level once more.
Steven Gerrard was next forward for Liverpool. The man who had played such a big part in the match, and scored two stunning equalisers in the 90 minutes.
No one was surprised when he sent Hislop the wrong way and scored to put Liverpool in front again.
Konchesky stepped forward but his shot was poor and too close to the goalkeeper, and Reina made an easy save.
Match point for Liverpool
Riise walked down the pitch from the centre circle knowing if he could score, he would put Liverpool within touching distance of victory.
In typical fashion he drilled the ball straight down the middle but Hislop had already dived to his left. The ball nearly burst the net and Liverpool now led 3-1.
West Ham had to score their last two penalties and hope Liverpool missed their final one. It was a long shot and it seemed an awful long time ago when Dean Ashton scored to put them 2-0 up.
Anton Ferdinand stepped forward and must’ve felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as his shot was weak and Reina easily saved to win the cup for Liverpool.
It was a dramatic end to a thrilling game. West Ham ended an exciting campaign with heartbreak and Liverpool won a major trophy in a penalty shout out for the second season in a row.
FA Cup Final 2006
Cisse scores
Penalty Shootout
More Classic Matches