DBasia.news – Watford made one dramatic comeback against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2018-19 FA Cup semi-final that took place at Wembley, Sunday (7/4) evening. Watford won 3-2 after falling behind 0-2.
In addition to making a comeback with great power, Javi Gracia’s landing team also broke through the FA Cup final for the first time since 1984. Watford will meet Manchester City who won 1-0 over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The battle between the two teams in the first half was relatively balanced with organized defense, a strong midfield and a dangerous front line. Watford with a 4-2-2-2 tactic and Wolves with a 3-5-2 formation.
But in this first round, Wolves first stole the advantage via goals scored by Matt Doherty. Receiving a Diogo Jota cross, Doherty won the air ball duel and succeeded in breaking down Watford’s keeper, Heurelho Gomes.
The first half ended with a 1-0 with Wolve’s advantage. Watford’s best chance came from their striker, Andre Gray, when his shot from close range was heroically blocked by Wolves captain, Conor Coady.
There were no substitutions at the start of the second half. Wolves even seemed to have secured the final ticket when they scored the second goal on 62 minutes. Doherty this time gave a cross bait that was received by Raul Jimenez and converted it into a goal. 2-0 Wolves stayed away.
Gracia immediately acted quickly by including former AC Milan and Barcelona player, Gerard Deulofeu, in the 66th minute replacing Will Hughes. The results were very positive. Deulofeu reduced the position on the 79th minute.
Deulofeu turned the ball into the left corner of the Wolves goal and the ball was not able to be anticipated by John Ruddy. Watford reduced the gap and Deulofeu’s goal aroused hope to reverse the situation.
Sure enough, Watford increasingly attacked and finally able to equalize the position in the 90+ 4 minutes. Troy Deeney converted the opportunity from the white spot after he was dropped by Leander Dendoncker in the restricted area. The score is 2-2 and the match continued to extra rounds.
In the additional round or precisely at 104 minutes, Deulofeu became the protagonist or supersub for Watford with a winning goal.
Receiving Gray’s pass, Deulofeu ran past Coady and converted the opportunity calmly. Watford turned 3-2 ahead and was able to defend it until the game ended.
Watford went to the FA Cup final after the first time since 1984 and made a dramatic comeback. They will play Man City in the final which takes place at Wembley on May 18, 2019.
Player composition:
Watford (4-2-2-2): Heurelho Gomes; Kiko Femenia (Daryl Janmaat 108 ‘), Adrian Mariappa, Craig Cathcart, Jose Holebas (Adam Masina 98’); Abdoulaye Doucoure, Etienne Capoue; Will Hughes (Gerard Deulofeu 66 ‘- Ken Sema 112’), Roberto Pereyra; Troy Deeney, Andre Gray
Substitute Players: Adam Masina, Ken Sema, Christian Kabasele, Domingos Quina, Daryl Janmaat, Ben Foster, Gerard Deulofeu.
Manager: Javi Gracia
Wolves (3-5-2): John Ruddy; Romain Saiss, Conor Coady, Willy Boly; Matt Doherty, Leander Dendoncker, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves (Ryan Bennett 86 ‘), Jonny Castro Otto (Ruben Vinagre 105’); Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota (Ivan Cavaleiro 89 ‘).
Substitute players: Adama Traore, Ryan John Giles, Helder Costa, Ryan Bennett, Ivan Cavaleiro, Will Norris, Ruben Vinagre.
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo