What Was The Best Soccer Game You Ever Saw?

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 17: Atmosphere at the Heineken Brings UEFA Champions League Trophy to the US event at 230 Fifth Avenue on February 17, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Kohen/Getty Images for Heineken)

When Im chatting with friends about music, I often ask them what was their favorite concert of all time. For me, it was a performance by Midnight Oil in 1987 or 1988 in a tiny club on the Fort Lauderdale strip. This was before their single Beds Are Burning became a nationwide hit. Their music was incredible, and it was a joy seeing lead singer Peter Garrett, a man who was the 80s version of Peter Crouch without the good looks nor soccer skills, singing his heart out but bending down so his head wouldnt hit the ceiling.

But when Im asked which was the best soccer match Ive ever seen, its difficult because Ive seen so many more soccer games than concerts. But the one that sticks out in my mind has to be the 2005 Champions League Final between AC Milan and Liverpool. It was a game I wasnt able to watch live due to work commitments, so I purposefully tried to make sure I didnt find out the score before I got home and switched on my DVR. As the game began, I sat back and watched AC Milan take control of the game as they ended the first half 3-0 up. But when Steven Gerrard pulled one back in the 54th minute, I was really impressed by the way he tried to rally his teammates and boost their confidence to try to get back in the game.

By the time the game neared the end of the 90 minutes, I remembered screaming and shouting in joy when Liverpool kept on scoring. I was so loud that my wife upstairs, who was already in bed, was telling me to shut up. I continued watching the game and was mesmerized by what I was watching,! shoutin g a few more times and upsetting my wife some more.

As for the best match Ive ever seen in person, theres no doubt that its Swanseas first game ever in the top flight of English football. It was 1981 and a beautiful August day in South Wales. Swanseas first game of the season was at home against Leeds United. I stood on the terraces of the Vetch Field and was as high as a kite after the Swans beat Leeds 5-1 in a stunning defeat. The final goal by Alan Curtis was one of sure beauty.

What about you? What was the best soccer game you saw on television and in person? Share your stories in the comments section below.

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