Plucky Fulham stun Juventus
FULHAM (4) v/s JUVENTUS (1)
ROY HODGSON admitted to feeling “on top of the world” after Fulham completed a remarkable fightback to send Italian giants Juventus crashing out of Europe.
Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Cottagers looked down and out, especially after Juve striker David Trezeguet increased the lead further in just the second minute.
But a Bobby Zamora strike and two goals from Zoltan Gera brought Fulham level, while Fabio Cannavaro was sent off for Juve after hauling down Gera.
Then, just when extra time looked likely, Clint Dempsey brilliantly chipped Antonio Chimenti from outside the box to send the Cottagers into the last eight of European competition for the first time in the club’s history.
“I’m on top of the world,” Hodgson raved. “I don’t know if it’s the biggest night in the club’s history but it must come close. It was a fantastic team performance. When Bobby Zamora equalised at 1-1 I thought we could still do something if we continued to play well and in the second half we did. The crowd were fantastic and many will remember this night for a long time to come.”
Indeed, Dempsey admitted he was as surprised as anyone to see his 82nd minute winner creep in. “Nine times out of 10 you won’t make it but sometimes you’ve got to take a risk,” the American added.
Juve were reduced to nine men late on after Jonathan Zebina was sent off late on for kicking Damien Duff.