Subscribe to RSSSJ STARTING XI APRIL 10TH-11TH
This weeks starting XI is a little different, because their mammoth effort sent chills down our spine.
Coming into the FA Cup semi final as huge underdogs, against an in form Spurs, Portsmouth had been relegated officially to the Championship 24 hours earlier, their bright spark this season, Jamie O’Hara, who is on loan from Tottenham, was not allowed to play against his full time employers.
The gulf in talent was evident, but the magic of the oldest cup competition was well and truly alive, two extra time goals sent Pompey through and a money spinning final against Chelsea. Let’s hope they are allowed to get that Europa Cup spot too.
GK, David James – The older he gets the better he performs, outstanding saves all afternoon, 100% going to South Africa with England.
DF, Steve Finnan – The Irishman has been a solid and consistent performer all season.
DF, Ricardo Rocha – Had a rough time when he first joined the club, a couple of red cards didn’t help, but he got one over his old team.
DF, Aaron Mokoena – The South African international helped keep Crouch and company at bay, an inspired performance no less.
MF, Hayden Mullins – Asked to cover in defensive duties, shut down David Bentley. Richard Hughes replaced him in the 119th minute.
MF, Michael Brown – Never stopped running, you know what you get from him, 110% effort, a bit dirty, but battled with Huddlestone and Palacios all afternoon.
MF, Marc Wilson – The young Irishman didn’t let Portsmouth down, the fact they have been relegatd means they need to keep a hold of this young talent, nurture him and try to bounce straight back up, a well deserved start.
MF, Hassan Yebeda – The French born Algerian international who is on loan from Benfica, worked hard for his 87 minutes and was given a well deserved rest when the fresh legs and speed of John Utaka were brought on to replace him.
MF, Kevin-Prince Boateng – Another former Spurs player coming back to haunt them, scored Pompey’s 2nd goal, with 3 minutes left of extra time, held his nerve from the spot.
ST, Aruna Dindane - the Ivorian on loan from Lens will be going to South Africa, he will also not be at Portsmouth next season, but you wouldn’t think his mind was on other things, worked tirelessly and won Portsmouth the penalty after being fouled by Wilson Palacios.
ST, Frédéric Piquionne – The striker has had something of a break out season, on loan from Lyon, he has scored 10 goals in all competitions, not bad for a struggling, relegated team, he will have suitors for sure. Scored the opening goal for Portsmouth, slightly fortunate as Spurs centre back slipped at the vital moment. Was replaced immediately after scoring by Papa Bouba Diop.
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