FA Cup
The oldest domestic football competition in the world.
FA CUP FINAL
Wimbledon 1–0 Liverpool (1988)
The "Crazy Gang" stunned English football by defeating the mighty Liverpool 1–0 in the 1988 FA Cup Final. Wimbledon, promoted to the First Division just two years earlier in 1986, were known for their physical and no-nonsense style of play. Facing a Liverpool side who were strong favourites, widely regarded as one of the best teams in Europe, having just won the league title and were chasing a historic double.
The only goal of the match came in the first half when Lawrie Sanchez rose to head home a perfectly delivered Dennis Wise free-kick. But the defining moment, and what truly secured this final's iconic status, came when goalkeeper Dave Beasant made history. He became the first goalkeeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup Final at Wembley, denying John Aldridge and preserving Wimbledon's lead. This remarkable victory secured Wimbledon's first and to this day, only major trophy, marking one of the greatest underdog triumphs in FA Cup history.
Liverpool 3–3 West Ham - Liverpool winning on Penalties (2006)
With Wembley Stadium undergoing reconstruction, the FA Cup Final was played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff between 2001 and 2006. With the 2006 final going down in history as one of the most dramatic and unforgettable of all time. Often earning the nickname "The Gerrard Final."
West Ham United stunned Liverpool by racing into a 2-0 lead, courtesy of an early own goal from Jamie Carragher and a Dean Ashton second. Liverpool hit back, first through a well-taken volley from Djibril Cissé, then through a thunderous equalizer by Steven Gerrard, making it 2–2. The drama didn't stop there. Paul Konchesky restored West Ham’s lead with a speculative cross that looped over Pepe Reina into the far corner, putting the Hammers ahead. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it looked like West Ham were on the brink of a famous victory. Then came Gerrard’s defining moment. A stunning 35-yard strike in the 91st minute that rocketed into the bottom corner, sending the game into extra time. The match eventually went to penalties, where Liverpool triumphed 3–1 in the shootout, with Reina saving three spot-kicks.
Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester City (2013)
The 2013 FA Cup Final delivered one of the biggest shocks in the competition's modern history. Wigan Athletic, fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League, faced a star-studded Manchester City side featuring Yaya Touré, Sergio Agüero, and David Silva.
Wigan produced a disciplined and fearless performance. The defining moment coming in the 90th minute, when substitute Ben Watson, just recently back from injury, rose at the near post to power home a corner with a stunning header. That dramatic late goal sealed a historic 1–0 victory, earning Wigan their first-ever major trophy and sending their fans into delirium. Despite being relegated just three days later, this FA Cup win remains one of the greatest achievement in Wigan Athletic's history, and one that will always be remembered by fans.
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