Back in December when Fulham faced a must win in Switzerland against FC Basel to keep their Europa League hopes alive, I never once thought this club would be in a realistic position come April to play in the final of this very competition. But after Thursday's 1-0 win over Wolfsburg (3-1 on aggregate), the Cottagers are into the semifinals where another German opponent, Hamburg, is the lone club remaining between the Cottagers and a date in the Europa League final.
Despite giving up a road goal in last week's match at Craven Cottage, Fulham scored their own away goal before fans could get settled into their seats following the opening kickoff. 21 seconds into the match who else but Bobby Zamora took a Zoltan Gera pass and smoothly eluded a defender and slotted past the Wolfsburg keeper to give the Cottagers a 1-0 lead and for all intents and purposes sealed the match with that strike.
There were other opportunities for both sides and in fact in the last fifteen minutes Wolfsburg applied the pressure on Fulham hitting the bar once and having a ball cleared from the line by Brede Hangeland. All in all, it was a rather comfortable win for the Cottagers against the defending German champions.
In the space of the last four months the Cottagers have knocked out FC Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus and now Wolfsburg. That's some major accomplishments for a team two years ago that was fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation. Not in any of our wildest imaginations did we expect our beloved Cottagers to be in the position they are in right now.
Did any of you expect this? I can honestly say I did not. After the FC Basel win in December I was extremely pleased to see the team qualify for the knockout stage and any victories the club picked up were just icing on the cake. Well, the icing has been really good as three historic scalps have ensued and a possible fourth could be in the cards against Hamburg in the semifinals.
The victory over Wolfsburg was not nearly as dramatic as that against Juventus, but nevertheless, it was a solid display from Roy Hodgson's side and one that we will remember for a long, long time. For the longest time Fulham struggled on the road and now, we are winning in foreign countries against some of the top teams in Europe.
I hate to say this, but this team seems to be on a course with destiny. It is very possible that this team could win it all. The end is near and this team could end up hoisting the trophy after the final in Hamburg come May. It is definitely possible and it is within reach.
What were your emotions after Thursday's win over Wolfsburg? Do the Cottagers have a shot against Hamburg? Are you with me in thinking this team can win it all? I would love to read your thoughts.
It's been another historic day for the only club in southwest London still playing in Europe. With the semifinals up next the Cottagers can and will continue to make more and more history if they win again. It's going to be fun. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Comments
 |
Posted by Jake on 04/09/2010
With the way the Cottagers play at home, anything is possible. I think it was a true blessing to have gotten two matches against such top shelf opponents out of the way early. I think it gives them some comfort, a sort of "we've been in this situation and worse before" feeling.
Based on their league form, Hamburg does not seem to be in top form, having fallen to top competition and failing to defeat lesser sides. However, they also have European experience, almost winning the UEFA Cup last year.
I think that we have a good shot against them. I would prefer that Roy rests our best players again ahead of our April 22 fixture at Hamburg. I want to see a fully fit squad out there.
All in all, I am very proud to be a Fulham fan today. If we were to lose to Hamburg this would still be a fantastic season. On the other hand, it would be a truly outstanding feat to shock the world and go on to win the whole thing.
Come on Fulham!
|
Posted by Jonathan on 04/09/2010
I think its fair to say this as been one of the best ever seasons Fulham as ever experienced since promotion to the Premier League. To achieve what we have achieved I believe comes down to a man by the name of Roy Hodgson. Someone who knows how prioritise each game is invaluable. Do we have the squad to lift the Europa Trophy. Lets all hope that injuries don't strike.
Having said that, there is absolutely no reason why we can't win this thing. Go Fulham!
|
Posted by abd malik arip on 04/09/2010
nothing is impossible in football and possible small club beat big club or league championship, but my opinion Fulham need good player next seasson or Roy Hodgson still manager at Fulham if no Fulham probabbly will fight struggle lace position like 2007 seasson.
|
Posted by Don on 04/09/2010
Fantastic season!
Every time I think we are done we bounce right back. I thought the late away goal was going to get us but no. 21 seconds! In reality Fulham could have won that game 3-0. Total domination.
Nothing from this club will surprise me.
Come on you Whites!
|
Posted by Teddy_KGB on 04/09/2010
In truth, I never thought we'd get out of the group stage; not because we lacked the talent, but because we wouldn't take the competition seriously enough. It's all been a pleasant surprise that I hope continues.
|
Posted by Aussie John on 04/12/2010
I have put so much icing on the cake that the icing is now thicker than the cake.
Yes we can win the semi final simply because MANAGER OF THE YEAR, our ROY, believes it possible. If ROY believes its possible, the players and us supporters will also believe it.
Thats the power of ROY.
We are safe in the Premier League for another year so Roy will now have a choice as to how to prepare, or rest, his better players.
Regardless of the result I will put more icing on the cake to celebrate a year all Fulham supporters will remember for years to come.
Supporters of other clubs must be wondering how we have achieved so much from such a small squad. Self belief from a fanstastic team structure headed by our ROY.
And let us not forget our owner who has allowed this to happen without major interference.
Just a sad note to end on, the season finishes in a month. What do we then do with our time???
|
Posted by abd malik arip on 04/28/2010
Please dont excited first, on EUROPA LEAGUE journey, this thursday Fulham will become host for Hamburg FC, we know Fulham Draw at Nordbank Arena but its not easy for Fulham and if we want Fulham continiue the journey please give attend to Craven Cottager and make full supporter for them
| |
Post your comment |
|
|