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Huge Upsets in FA Cup Quarterfinals

by Alexander Banks on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008

Two huge upsets highlighted quarterfinal action in the Soccer Betting FA Cup over the weekend as Barnsley knocked out Chelsea 1-0 as Kayode Odejayi scored the only goal and Portsmouth won 1-0 at Manchester United. The other two quarterfinals had Cardiff defeating Middlesbrough 2-0 and West Brom taking out Bristol 5-1

Although Barnsley was at home against Chelsea most people believe it was one of the greatest upsets ever. "I can't believe it. We went to Anfield and we put on a show and came away with a result and everybody thought we couldn't do it again," said Barnsley manager Simon Davey. "We had a game plan that obviously worked. I'm speechless at the moment. I can't believe we've really done it. We're in the semifinal of the cup, I've never been to Wembley." Looking at the two teams it is hard to see how Chelsea lost the match but they didn’t play with much energy. "I'm very, very disappointed but all the credit to Barnsley," said Chelsea manager Avram Grant. "They showed a lot of spirit. They won against Liverpool, they won against us so I congratulate them. I'm very sad about this. It's an important competition. We had a chance to do something in this competition; we didn't do it so now we have to look forward to the league and Champions League."

Soccer Betting at SBG Global.

The other upset on Saturday saw Portsmouth win against Manchester United as Sulley Muntari scored on a penalty kick in the 78^th minute for the game winner. The match should never have come down to a penalty kick as United had numerous good chances to score. Cristiano Ronaldo could easily have scored multiple goals but continually missed. The win by Portsmouth was their first win at Old Trafford since 1957. United manager Alex Ferguson was upset about the referee but should have been more upset that his players couldn’t put away chances. "You always have to ride your luck, (Manchester United) are a fantastic team. They are different class. We deserved our luck." Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said.

In the other two quarterfinals, Cardiff upset Middlesbrough 2-0 to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1927. Peter Whittingham and Roger Johnson scored for Cardiff. West Bromwich Albion moved into the semifinals with a 5-1 win at League One club Bristol Rovers. West Brom was led by Ishmael Miller who had a hat trick.

Barnsley and Cardiff will face each other for a place in the FA Cup final.

Portsmouth will meet West Bromwich Albion in the other semifinal match. Both semifinal matches will be played at Wembley on April 5^th and 6^th. The final at Wembley is set for May 17th.