It only took 43 seconds to come alive. This great DVD, "Chelsea Vs Middlesbrough 1997 FA Cup Final" is the full account of the day when the trophy finally went back to Stamford Bridge.
There had been a mini revolution at Chelsea Football Club ever since Ruud Gullit had taken over from Glen Hoddle as manager. Confidence was high that the team could win the FA Cup for the first time since 1970, especially with the likes of recent imports Frank Leboeuf, Gianfranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Di Matteo in its ranks. The latter didn't take too long to make his mark!
The words to "Abide With Me" had barely finished when Italian international Roberto Di Matteo picked the ball up from kick-off. Running full pace at a somewhat static Middlesbrough defence, he lashed the ball towards the opponent's goal from all of 30 yards. The ball dipped and swerved and crashed into the roof of Boro's net. A mere 43 seconds had been played. Di Matteo had re-written the record books. Whilst Chelsea dominated much of the match thereafter, it took until 10 minutes from time for the game to be wrapped up, when Eddie Newton poked home Gianfranco Zola's flick. Dennis Wise collected the trophy amidst wild celebrations, giving manager Ruud Gullit the accolade of first foreign coach to win the FA Cup.
Chelsea fans will love watching the ordinary start to this FA Cup Final again and again. Celebrate the team's win over Middlesbrough on this great DVD today.
Buy your copy of this 1997 FA Cup Final DVD from skysportsdvdshop.co.uk.
