Zamora hits Fulham into new ground
WOLFSBURG (0) v/s FULHAM (1)
FULHAM boss Roy Hodgson hailed his history-makers after Bobby Zamora’s early strike sent them into the club’s first ever European semi-final.
Zamora sealed the Cottagers’ progression after just 25 seconds when he turned his marker expertly before stroking past goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. Another German side in Hamburg now stand between Fulham and a place in the final, which could still be an all-English affair.
“I’m delighted with the performance, it’s very strong to come here and win 1-0 in a game we had control over for long periods,” said Hodgson. “It’s nice to make history and I’m so delighted for the players.”
Zamora augmented his burgeoning reputation with a connoisseur’s finish, taking Zoltan Gera’s pass with a Cruyff turn that bamboozled Jan Simunek before caressing a composed finish.
“You get your goals when you get them and Bob did ever so well, his combination with Gera was magnificent,” added Hodgson. “I was confident we’d stop them scoring three.”
Fulham, leading 2-1 from the first leg, almost added a second but captain Danny Murphy’s shot was cleared off line. The closest Wolfsburg came was when Edin Dzeko hit a post and his strike partner Grafite’s goal-bound follow-up was diverted.