It was the moment Steven Gerrard had craved for the best part of six years; the golden sky at the end of the storm. Liverpool had finally won a trophy again, but the immediate taste of glory was bittersweet. Gerrard’s team-mates charged towards Jose Reina in celebration as once again Liverpool’s nerve and luck held – just about – in a penalty shoot-out. But for their captain, that sense of release did not take over until he had consoled Anthony Gerrard, his cousin, who had just missed the decisive kick for Cardiff City in that, cruellest of lotteries at the end of an enthralling game.
Cardiff were leading the game 1-0 courtesy of goal by Mason. 2 minutes after Bellamy had entered the fray in the second-half Liverpool were level. Downing floated in a corner from the left, Carroll beat Turner in the air to it, with the ball turned against the post by Suarez from right in front of Heaton. Skrtel was quickest to react, steering the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs from 7 yards for the equaliser.
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