In January 2002 I saw my hometown club Peterborough United host top of the premier league Newcastle United (The team I support). The posh were languishing midtable in the old division three (Now League Two). They had money problems and everyone expected a battering. The stadium was a rare sellout and the away terrace was so packed with Geordies, it resembled something from the 70’s.
Bobby Robson named a surprising strong Newcastle team, not at full strength, but one that included Shearer, Bellamy, Solano and Shay Given.
Peterborough had an aging team, but it did include a young Jimmy Bullard and future Norwich striker Leon McKenzie.
Newcastle raced into a 2 goal lead, it looked like they would see Peterborough off comfortably at half time. Out of nowhere Posh scored twice to level up the tie, and the stadium was making a level of noise I’ve never experienced at London Road before or since. The pitch turned into an absolute mud bath and Newcastle struggled to play their game. A tense period followed where Peterborough pushed hard for the lead, with Shay Given making a number of top saves. With about 5 minutes to go Shearer won a disputed penalty, of which he buried. A few minutes later Newcastle finished it with another clinical finish from Shearer on the break. Game finished 2-4, a classic FA Cup 3rd rounder that I will never forget. Getting to see my hero’s play my home city club was a dream come true.
What is the best live game you have seen?
PSV - Bayern, 1999 Champions League. Bayern was at its prime, having just lost the legendary final vs ManU. PSV was playing a young v. Bommel and v. Nistelrooij as striker (1-0) and (world’s most underrated?) Nilis scoring the winning 2-1. First time seeing a major match, it was magnificent. Post war fight between Lothar Matthäus and PSVs coach was a nice bonus.
Ahh Luc Nillis, fabulous player, I was pleased when he came to England but tragically it was quickly the end of his career. The poor guy nearly lost his leg.
Everton 3 Crystal Palace 2
Bayern Munich vs Juventus. 2016 second leg of champions league last 16. Juve went up 2-0, Bayern tied it up and went on to win 4-2 in extra time
Never seen a match in person, hope to in the next year or two.
Uruguay vs Ghana. Worldcup 2010
Suarez handball and red card. Asamoah Gyan misses the penalty.Uruguay wins on penalty shootout.
Crazy game! I was gutted for Ghana! Did you see any other games in the tournament?
Yes it was the last worldcup for my country Paraguay, we losed against Spain in a very closed match and spanish players said it was their most difficult game. It was also the furthest we got in a worldcup.
Growing up Paraguay were always there. Chilavert in goal, Roque Santa Cruz leading the line! I remember Nelson Cuevas scoring a belter in 2002.
yeahh Cuevas vs Slovenia in 2002, good times. Btw I misunderstood your title, I didn’t read the live in the stadium part lol I was just telling you the best match I’ve seen live on TV
No worries! Great to reminisce regardless!
As a Newcastle fan, I would like to give my thanks to your beautiful country for gifting us Miguel Almiron; and also for gifting us Miguel Almiron’s grin.
It’s been a pleasure to follow Newcastle this last year, now in the champions league. I hope Miggy keeps scoring bangers for you! The wonderful Eddie Howe gave him back his smile 😁
2018 WC, Portugal 3 - 3 Spain Everyone went crazy after that CR7 freekick (im portuguese, so maybe this is biased)
I’m English and this was one crazy game, one of the great CR7 free kicks. It was just like the one against Portsmouth, but in such a big moment.
Oh yeah that freekick was fire too
Croatia v Denmark in Euro 1996, Suker was exquisite
Manchester City 2 - 1 Liverpool.
Game had everything. Two top teams going for the win, quality team goals, counter attacks, intricate play, top finishes, and it was all played at 100mph throughout.
Was literally and figuratively inches between the two teams that day.
2019? Both teams were so strong! Possibly the best two teams I’ve ever seen in this country.
2022 wc final
Dortmund bayern 3-2. A dortmund win on bayern is mythical and I was there. Can’t get any better than that for me
I feel like this sub has turned into an AskFootball subreddit with all the recent posts just being questions
As a FC Fan, the most intense:
1.FC Köln - Carl-Zeiss Jena 4:3
0:1 (5), 1:1 (20), 1:2 (37), 1:3 (55), 2:3 (73), 3:3 (84), 4:3 (86)
Game was very emotional, with our keeper grabbing an oponent by the neck for time wasting and pushed him of the pitch.
Players getting lost in the emotions of a rollercoaster. Those are the best games!
My dad and I went to a game for the team he supports for his 60th birthday, and it ended 5-5. Only drawback was that it was nearly freezing and the rain was pouring, but the experience was definitely worth it.
Ajax - Spurs
I was in tears at the end.
Crazy crazy game, that year was just full of miracles. I absolutely lost it too!
“THEY’VE DONE IT!”
I was at Sporting Lisbon 4-2 Farense last week and it might be the best game I’ve ever seen.
I’ve seen better/bigger teams, but the game was just really good. Both teams attacking, 4 particularly good goals, a ruled out penalty, a Gyokeres hatrick and a great atmosphere in the stands.
10/10 would recommend
I know, I’ve seen some of the biggest teams and the best stadiums in the world, but I always think back to the game I mentioned above.
I’ll check out the highlights of this one! Thanks!
I only have good things to say about Portuguese football, it’s incredible.