Fenomenal Oscar: Worthington Cup 2000 2001 Liverpool

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Worthington Cup 2000 2001 Liverpool

The 2000–01 Football League Cup (known as the Worthington Cup for sponsorship reasons) was the 41st season of the Football League Cup, a knockout competition for England's top 92 football clubs. The competition name reflects a sponsorship deal with lager brand Worthington. The competition began on 22 August 2000, and ended with the final on 25 February 2001 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as Wembley Stadium was in the process of being rebuilt. The tournament was won by Liverpool F.C., who beat Birmingham City 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw after extra-time. Robbie Fowler put Liverpool in front after half an hour but a Darren Purse penalty salvaged the game for Birmingham in the final minute of normal time. This was the first of three trophies Liverpool would win during the season, the others being the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup. The Final was played on 25 February 2001 and was contested between First Division side Birmingham City and Premier League team Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Liverpool won the game 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Liverpool added the FA Cup and UEFA Cup to their trophy collection.

Liverpool opened the scoring with a goal from Robbie Fowler in the 30th minute and appeared to be heading for a win in normal time until Birmingham equalised in injury-time with a penalty from Darren Purse, after Martin O'Connor was brought down by Stéphane Henchoz. Birmingham had a valid claim for a second penalty in extra time, only for referee David Elleray to turn it down, taking the game to a penalty shootout, the first such penalty shootout in a major English domestic cup final (excluding Charity Shield matches). The victory was Liverpool's first major trophy in 6 years, since winning the same competition in 1995.