The match brings in with it a plethora of unmissable television viewing. The pre-match buildup initiates on Sky Sports from 8 AM, next stop is Soccer AT at 9. The midday is covered by Gary Lineker and the gang on the BBC.
Some of the early memories of FA Cup final includes Roberto Di Matteo making it a win at the old Wembley. Another one is Michael Owen’s late brace for Liverpool in the first one in Cardiff. But all of these memories made one thing more understandable that Watford was not something that gets involved in the final.
Supporting a team in the final cup was an unknown concept. It still is. “The emotions felt in the semi-final last month when Hornet did its comeback against wolves were well felt.” says, Adam Drury, the writer at Betway Insider.
The feeling was similar to when England made it to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia. All the emotional energy we have put into the team making it to inconceivable boundaries.
However, the national team will always come second.
Watford has faced many hardships.
In the last 11 years, administration or liquidation have changed in a matter of hours twice. The second time it was because of the Pozzo family, the protagonist in a story that has seen a traditionally second-tired club make it to the Premier League.
There are many clubs with similar tales.
Finally, Watford is in finals and their joy cannot get unnoticed. Why would it be? A Home Counties club that has been, and will be, always overshadowed by Arsenal, Tottenham, and the rest. For them, being unforgettable is an achievement.
In the past 20 years, the short-lived moments of fame were what Watford fans loved the most. Aidy Boothroyd’s promotion-winning heroes, the memorable Troy Deeney play-off goal against Leicester in 2013. But the biggest fame you can get in football is making it to the final day of the cup.
Every headline on the Sky Sports News ‘breaking news’ ticker will begin: “Watford….”. Every twitter from a high-profile neutral (now even they are hooked). BBC One and BBC Sport, everybody will be covering Watford.
Andre Gray’s interesting back story is now national news. Card-happy Jose Holebas, a big-time cult hero at Vicarage Road, is now an intriguing personality. Even the news that goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes will retire after Saturday to become a pastor hold importance now.
And then there is Troy aka ‘Mr Watford’, each wry smile that greets his latest media appearance is now boosting his pride. Whatever you may think about Deeney, it will be one hell of a story if the ex-convict lifts the FA Cup this Saturday.
The final is itself gonna be a series of “Is this really happening?” moments.
The only fear is that there is too much excitement for the team making it harder to focus for 90 minutes, while there is surely a chance of winning for the team.
But winning is not totally what has fuelled this football fever. It is how many self-proclaimed “cup finals” have Watford negotiated.
Here is finally the real thing.
