Bellamy goal proves enough for Liverpool to enter League Cup final

Ashley Williams January 26, 2012 0

Bellamy goal proves enough for Liverpool to enter League Cup final

LIVERPOOL: Craig Bellamy helped Liverpool dodge Manchester City in a crucial League Cup Semi-Final match on Wednesday as his decisive goal proved enough for the Londoners to advance into the all-important match of the championship.

The match between two of the best English Premier League clubs ended in a 2-2 draw but Liverpool advanced into the final for winning it on 2-3 aggregate, thus leaving his team manager Kenny Dalglish bursting into tears.

It was a match that lived up to the expectations of the fans at Anfield where both teams scored twice but the goal about a fortnight ago was the difference between the two sides that propelled the Liverpool towards Wembley where they will fight it out against Cardiff City for the title.

Bellamy was at the center-stage as his goal proved the difference between the two sides on Wednesday. While talking to reporters after the match, Bellamy said, “It couldn’t be a better final for me. Cardiff means so much to me, it’s where I’m from, I’ve never played at Wembley and to beat a club like Man City with all the players they have, it was just so fitting for us to get to the final.”

Manchester City were without services of their main striker Mari balotelli but despite of his absence they went in front in the 31^st minute with Nigel de Jong’s goal. However, Liverpool captain scored for the second time during the two legs, once again on the penalty kick to draw Liverpool ahead of the City only nine minutes later.

Manchester City got a brilliant chance of winning the second leg when in the 67^th minute Edin Dzeko gave them the elusive goal taking them at advantage of 2-1 at Anfield. However, it was Craig Bellamy who was not ready to be tamed and he managed to equalize just 16 minutes ahead of the final whistle that made sure the Liverpool are in the League Cup final.

If Liverpool beat Cardiff City next month at Wembley, then this would be the first time for them to win a huge trophy since 2006 FA Cup.

An emotional Liverpool manager Dalglish said, “I’m just delighted with all the effort and commitment … We’ll just enjoy the moment”.

Roberto Mancini never agreed to the penalty awarded to Liverpool. He told reporters, “It was not a penalty for Liverpool but it was a penalty for us on Dzeko, this changed the game. After we did well, we scored, we did some mistakes because we conceded a second stupid goal but now it’s finished. Football is football, there are other things more important in life.”

Steven Gerrard was over the moon on his team’s success against the English Premier League leaders. He said, “It’s a great feeling, it’s been a while”.

“Craig was the difference. His pace was always a threat and we know that if a chance falls to him he can finish. It’s a big thanks to him”, Gerrard added.