On 14 April 1999, Manchester United kept their dream of a treble alive and edged Arsenal 2-1 after extra time in one of the FA Cup semi-finals all along.
This one had it all: fantastic goals, a red card and a missed penalty – and it was just in normal time. But the moment that has passed is Ryan Giggs incredible winner in extra time.
Because the iconic strike has such a weight in the popular consciousness, one often forgets how good David Beckham’s opener was. Striking Teddy Sheringham’s smart girl for the first time from 25-yard, Beckham produced a picture perfect combination of whip and power that gave David Seaman no chance.
Arsenal’s equalizer by Dennis Bergkamp was much happier, with the Dutchman’s hopeful long – distance driving deflecting Jaap Stam’s lap and past Peter Schmeichel. There was a lot more drama to come before Giggs stole the show as well.
First Nicolas Anelka was ruled out for offside, then Roy Keane was sent off 15 minutes from time for a second bookable offense. During the dying minutes, Phil Neville continued to bring Ray Parlor into the book, only to keep Peter Schmeichel fired and save Fizer’s blush.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started at the head of the Red Devils | Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
This set the scene perfectly for the game’s magical moment. After seeing the first half of extra time without any major problems, Giggs grabbed a poorly attended pass from Patrick Vieira. When he picked up the ball in his own half, he began to dribble as soon as his little Welsh legs could carry him.
Shimmying past the usually impenetrable Vieira with ease, he then spun Lee Dixon and discovered the densest roads into the penalty area between the right-back and Martin Keown – who had been pulled out of position by a fantastic nap from Dwight Yorke.
Flip flapping between the pair he only had Seaman to beat, albeit from a tricky angle. Giggs was a player known for his technique and finesse. On this occasion, however, everything went out the window and he chose pure, unadulterated power. Seaman tried his best but could not stop the shot that arrows into the net from close range.
Giggs played in the FA Cup final as United best in Newcastle | Stu Forster / Getty Images
Then came that celebration.
In order not to waste a second, Giggs immediately whipped off his shirt and revealed a breast that resembled the plow hole in your local leisure center. The chest hair alone was enough to make this an iconic party, but the edge side’s decision to swirl his shirt above his head as he belted down the line took it to its own league.
The goal was enough for United to advance to the final and it is still one of the defining images of their legendary triple season.
