On Wednesday night, West Ham won their first European championship in 58 years thanks to a dramatic Jarrod Bowen goal in the Europa Conference League championship match against Fiorentina.
Declan Rice became the first captain of the Hammers since the late Bobby Moore in 1965 to raise a continental trophy, the Cup Winners' Cup, in what might have been his final game for the club. The team made its first participation in a European final since 1976 after making it all the way to last season's Europa League semifinals.
Over the course of the game's 90 minutes, Fiorentina outpossessed West Ham in terms of possession and had more than twice as many shots on goal. But it didn't result in a goal until just over an hour had passed before Said Benrahma scored from the penalty spot.
It took little any time for Giacomo Bonaventura to equalize after taking the lead. But when Bowen was let through on goal and maintained his calm to score past the charging Pietro Terracciano, the Hammers stole the victory.
"I clearly fantasized about scoring, especially the game-winning goal in the last seconds. You always claim you want to do it. to perform it in front of these supporters. I was on the verge of tears. I'm absolutely pleased," Bowen said to BT Sport immediately following the final horn.
We had a dream, and I, too, haven't had the finest season, but I'm over the moon to be able to give these fans this opportunity. In my position, I believe that if you make that run ten times, you might only get the ball once. You must put it away as soon as you obtain it.
"Never [in my life] have I felt like this. The biggest game of my career is this one. There was yet time to try again despite the emotion. I'm just giddy. Over the moon with joy.
West Ham spent the most of the domestic season fighting to avoid relegation after a poor Premier League season. But throughout, the Europa Conference League was a pleasant tonic. The lone glitch was a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the quarterfinal match against Gent, which was their sole loss after posting a flawless 100% record in the group stage.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0