As the clock ticket inexorably towards 90mins and the tantalising prospect of extra time being required to settle an intriguing, if not technically brilliant, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final, 2 of Celtic's substitutes combined to produce the single goal, that won the game. Over the years Celtic have been the masters of the late winner and none more so than in Scottish Cup finals where 5 of their last 16 winning goals have come after the 80th minute.
In 1985 and 1988 Dundee Utd were on the receiving end of Celtic's powers of never giving up. Having led in both games into the final 15 minutes, they lost 2 late goals in each. The winner in 1988 also coming in that same 90th minute as Saturday's match. Frank McAvennie's winner completed a remarkable double for Celtic in their centenary year and for those who witnessed that season, they will tell you that there was an inevitability about that double given the number of times they produced late goals to draw or win games that season that they looked destined to lose. Indeed, the semi-final alone was a huge case in point as Hearts were the recipients of goals in the 88th and 91st minutes to lose a game that they largely controlled up until that point.
In 2017 it was Aberdeen's turn to feel that late gut-wrenching deflation as Tom Rogic strode clear of a tiring defense, in the pouring rain, to produce one of the most dramatic endings the old stadium has ever seen. As with Dundee Utd 30 years earlier, Aberdeen had led in the final, albeit briefly.
As with much surrounding Celtic and their powers of determination, the goal in 2017 and cup win was, itself, only part of the story. That strike of the ball brought to a close a completely unbeaten domestic season for Celtic in which they had won their first treble in 16 years. The first time an invincible campaign had ever been achieved in Scotland. To do it, in added time with almost the last kick of the season, truly is the stuff of fairytales.
The 1985 final was the 100th Scottish Cup final and 1988 brought the double in that glorious centenary season. The 4th of those late Cup Final winners came against Hearts in 2019, when Celtic, again, came from behind to snatch a 3rd consecutive treble in the 84th Minute. For those readers new to Scottish Football, can you see a pattern emerging?
Back to this year's game and Rangers came into the match as huge underdogs. Their league season had fizzled out following defeats at Ross County and Celtic and they could only take 15 points from their final 10 games, finishing 8pts behind the champions. In addition, they had a large injury list, and questions were being asked of the player's attitude and commitment and the manager's selections, tactics and increasingly bizarre media comments.
Celtic, for their part had won 11 of their last 13 league games, scoring 37 goals in the process. They had a fully fit squad to choose from and were unbeaten in 4 derbies up to that point, winning 3 of them. The game itself, was largely forgettable. Played on a beautiful, warm, sunny, late spring afternoon, the players did not live up to the quality of the weather. Celtic, had dominated the 1st half without creating many clear-cut chances, while Rangers continued with their direct approach of getting the ball up to the front three and hoping to feed off second balls.
The second half was more even as Rangers imposed themselves a little more on the Celtic midfield but, again, chances were thin on the ground. Rangers did have the ball in the net on the hour mark when yet another excellent corner from the enigma that is James Tavernier, caused usual mayhem in the Celtic 6yd box. The ball was missed by all and dropped at the back post where Abdallah Sima stuck out a knee to force the ball home from the goal line.
It looked like the Achillies heel of this Celtic team had once again exposed itself and Rangers were about to take a grip on this final. Almost immediately, Celtic's goalkeeper Joe Hart protested vehemently to the referee that he had been pushed in the back and received a yellow card for his troubles. Despite television commentators believing the goal had stood, it was being reviewed by VAR and a clear, 2 handed, push on the keeper was spotted. As an on-field review was recommended, it was clear the goal was going to be disallowed. A short look from the referee confirmed this and on we went with the scores still level.
Despite much wailing and gnashing of teeth from some quarters of the Rangers support, it is almost universally agreed that it was a foul and the correct decision was reached.
As the game wore on, it became a little more frantic but still without any real pressure from either side. The fact that the match finished with only 4 shots on target from each team, tells its own story, although the increasingly erratic Phillipe Clement claimed it was 6-2 to his team on shots.
Both teams made substitutions, with Celtic able to bolster their attacking options with Khun, Bernardo and Idah coming into the game. All of whom had provided important contributions throughout the season. Rangers' changes were a little more subdued given the lengthy injury list. Scott Wright and Ross McAusland being the options available to Clement.
It was 2 of those 3 Celtic reinforcements that would have the pivotal say on the match. Deep into the 90th minute another Rangers long pass forward into Celtic's half, towards the ineffective Wright, rolled straight past him and Celtic immediately started an attack. They passed around the Rangers midfield and the ball was laid off to Bernardo inside the centre circle. A tiring Raskin, knowing he couldn't win the tackle made a lunge at the Portuguese to bring him down. Bernardo rode the outstretched leg, past the last midfielder and strode forward with purpose towards a backtracking rangers defence. With no tackle forthcoming, he struck a shot from around 25yds towards the Rangers goalkeeper. The shot itself was not particularly powerful or into a corner but it seemed to deceive Butland in the Rangers goal and he could only parry it out. In that moment, while time stood still for both teams and sets of supporters, one man reacted and, having already anticipated the possibility of a rebound, Idah drove into the box and onto the loose ball. His first time shot rolling under the despairing dive of Butland and into the empty net. Cue bedlam in the Celtic end as supporters roared with delight while bouncing around like deranged children.
Rangers forlornly appealed for offside and Celtic's captain tried to calm his players and get them refocused for the upcoming 10 mins of added time while supporters continued to dance, shout and hug anyone within arm’s length.
It is this composed, focused and clear thinking that makes Callum McGregor stand out as a leader. He truly did keep his head as all around him, others were losing theirs. The following 10 minutes were excruciating for both sets of supporters. Celtic's willing the final whistle while Rangers' praying for one more chance. For my part, I spent those minutes looking at my stopwatch and showing fingers to all around me every time a minute passed.
Despite some nervy moments and half chances, Celtic ended the match in Rangers' half and the final whistle brought more joy and singing. The match was won, a Double achieved, a manager vindicated, and players rewarded for resilience and a never say die attitude. The late, great and legendary player and manager, Billy McNeill once famously said "There is something of a fairytale about this club" and once again Celtic delivered that fairytale and another Late Winner.
Add comment
Comments