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THE LAZARUS EFFECT 11-3-05
I have a small confession to make. With sixty five minutes gone last night and with Boro 3-0 down, a tiny bit of doubt crept in and the thought that it may all be over actually came into play for a few moments.
I am ashamed of myself for letting that happen, especially now that Boro have got a distinct advantage with just half of this tie gone. But I'll get over it.
Sporting Lisbon are rocking on their heels now, as demonstrated by their attempt to make the longest substitution in the history of sport late in last night's encounter and by the panic that was etched all over Ricardo's face in the aftermath of Joseph Job's amazing strike.
That one goal will probably become part of Middlesbrough folklore and legend now as it rescued our UEFA campaign and sent a clear message to the Portuguese that despite all their fancy footwork and highly polished skills, they will not get past Middlesbrough. Victory will be ours in Lisbon and our opposition will be dreading next Thursday.
And there is a very good chance that Messrs. Viduka and Boateng will take part in the completion of the task next week. They are an unknown quantity to Sporting and the fancy-dans will not be able to cope with the heavy artillery that our two returning warriors will hit them with in their own backyard.
Phsychologically, we have now got the edge in this tie and I would not like to be a Lisbonite next Thursday when the might of Ironopolis marches into town, armed to the teeth and prepared for a famous 2-0 victory.
This one has got all of the hallmarks of the 1974 Ali/Foreman fight. Ali took a real hammering for seven rounds and provided little response. The game plan was to let Foreman punch himself out and then strike him down when he was on the point of exhaustion. It worked like a dream and we can take inspiration from that performance, although I doubt that letting Sporting go three up was intentional.
But in boxing terms, Lisbon have hit us with all that they have and despite us taking a standing count of eight, they have failed to knock us out. And even better, they are now reeling in the corner, tired, confused, dazed and there for the taking. One big right hook is all that is needed to take them out and when it hits home next Thursday, you better take cover.
I am very proud to be a Boro supporter this morning because I don't think that Manchester United, Liverpool or even Chelsea would have come back from three goals down last night. We showed the character, spirit and determination that has been lacking recently and has almost certainly played a major part in our disappointing attendance figures.
If we can show the sort of bottle that was evident last night more often, then Steve Gibson's dream of sell out crowds will happen.
Bolo Zenden said last night that 2-3 is not the best result in the world but it is something that we can work with. But can Lisbon work effectively with the knowledge that they blew a three-goal lead and Boro now have the scent of victory in their nostrils? I would say no.
Until next week. With a sweet victory to talk about.
Steve
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