Sport has the ability to create incredible drama which captivates and inspires us. There have been some incredible sporting moments over the years, but we thought, in this article, that we’d have a look at what we think, here at Spaceworks Event Furniture Hire, are the 5 greatest sporting comebacks in English sporting history.
1 – Liverpool FC vs AC Milan – UEFA Champions League Final, 2005. Dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul,” Liverpool found themselves trailing 3-0 to AC Milan at half-time, facing what seemed like an inevitable defeat. However, inspired by captain Steven Gerrard, Liverpool staged an astonishing second-half comeback, forcing the match into extra time and ultimately penalties, where Liverpool triumphed 3-2, securing their fifth European Cup.
2 – England Cricket Team – Headingley Ashes Test 1981, vs Australia. This is often considered to be one of the most incredible test matches of all time. Chasing what seemed an unlikely target, England found themselves in dire straights, but up stepped Ian ‘Beefy’ Botham with an innings of 149 not out, to defy the odds and win the game for England.
3 – Manchester United FC vs Bayern Munich – UEFA Champions League Final, 1999. Manchester Utd were chasing the elusive ‘treble’ (which coincidentally has been achieved once again this year by Manchester City FC). Trailing 1-0 deep into injury time, Manchester United conjured up a stunning late comeback to win 2-1 in the Nou Camp, Barcelona. Simply unforgettable.
4 – Ben Stokes – Ashes Test, 2019. The third test Ashes test between England and Australia produced one of the incredible personal performances of all time. Chasing over 350 for an unlikely victory, Stokes guided England to a one-wicket win, with a series of audacious shots to the boundary, seeing them home with one wicket to spare.
5 – England Rugby Team vs New Zealand – Rugby World Cup Semi-Final, 2019. In a thrilling encounter, the England rugby team delivered a scintillating performance against the mighty All Blacks, who had been virtually unbeatable for years. England stormed to a commanding (and unlikely) 19-7 victory, dethroning the reigning champions and setting up a historic Rugby World Cup Final, their first since 2003.
These are our personal favourite comebacks involving English sports teams, and you’ll no doubt have your own opinions! That’s why we love sport!
