Just over 17 years ago Fulham, languishing in the old third division, played Liverpool, who had won the English League and Cup double a few months earlier, in a League Cup tie at Craven Cottage and lost 3-2.
On the surface that defeat appears far from a disgrace. The only problem for Fulham was that they started the second leg of that tie at somewhat of a disadvantage on the night for they had lost the first leg 10-0 at Anfield two weeks previously.
The match program for the return at Craven Cottage bizarrely had a picture of Argentina skipper Diego Maradona with his hands clasped together on the cover.
"Even he is praying for us. We need all the help we can get" ran the self-mocking message inside.
Eventually help did arrive for Fulham -- but it took more than another two decades of misery and lower division football before Mohamed Al Fayed, the owner of department store Harrods, bought the club in 1997 and began to use his fortune to turn its fortunes around.
Nothing illustrates just how far the club have come than a glance at this weekend's league table for when Fulham and Liverpool meet in the premier league tomorrow, Fulham will start the match in fifth place while Liverpool are 10th.
Fulham's astonishing 3-1 win at Manchester United last week has not transformed the team into championship contenders.
But it has made a mockery of widespread pre-season predictions from a range of experts that Fulham would be relegated this season.
That now seems unlikely, though manager Chris Coleman is taking nothing for granted and wants his side to collect 40 points -- usually more than enough for safety -- as soon as possible. They currently have 18 from their first 10 matches -- just six behind league leaders Arsenal.
"We will not get carried away -- although the way we played against Manchester United has instilled the players with confidence to go and do the same against Liverpool," Coleman said. "You might say I am being negative, but all I'm thinking about is getting the 40 points as soon as possible."
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely