Howard the penalty hero as Everton stun United
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
LONDON, Apr 20 (AFP): Everton will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final after David Moyes' side secured a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United following a goalless draw at Wembley Sunday.
Tim Howard, Everton's former United keeper, was the hero as he saved from Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand, allowing defender Phil Jagielka to strike the decisive spot-kick.
That took Everton to their first final since 1995 and ended United's hopes of completing a clean sweep of honours.
"It was a tough game for us," Moyes said. "If they put out their under-14s it would have a been a tough game - they are going after every trophy.
"For everyone at Everton it is fantastic. If they keep doing what they are doing now, success will not be too far away."
It was the first time Sir Alex Ferguson had experienced defeat at this stage of the competition, but the United manager was furious his side had been denied a second half penalty appeal when Jagielka clipped Danny Welbeck.
After winning the League Cup and Club World Cup already this season, United now have to focus on retaining the Premier League and Champions League trophies they won last year.
Ferguson had sprung a major surprise by fielding a side packed with youngsters and fringe players in advance of Wednesday's league clash with Portsmouth.
Tim Howard, Everton's former United keeper, was the hero as he saved from Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand, allowing defender Phil Jagielka to strike the decisive spot-kick.
That took Everton to their first final since 1995 and ended United's hopes of completing a clean sweep of honours.
"It was a tough game for us," Moyes said. "If they put out their under-14s it would have a been a tough game - they are going after every trophy.
"For everyone at Everton it is fantastic. If they keep doing what they are doing now, success will not be too far away."
It was the first time Sir Alex Ferguson had experienced defeat at this stage of the competition, but the United manager was furious his side had been denied a second half penalty appeal when Jagielka clipped Danny Welbeck.
After winning the League Cup and Club World Cup already this season, United now have to focus on retaining the Premier League and Champions League trophies they won last year.
Ferguson had sprung a major surprise by fielding a side packed with youngsters and fringe players in advance of Wednesday's league clash with Portsmouth.