Get It Right... The FA Cup

The highlight of the English football season and one of the most watched cup tournaments in the world, the FA Cup has become a tradition and an icon of Britishness. Get the beers in, get the lads round, chuck the missus out, TV on, meat on the BBQ...done. With all you need to knowabout the Nation's favourite cup competition here's Base London's guide how to get it right...the FA Cup Final.

FA Cup Stats

Since the first Cup final in 1872, there have been:

- 4 different trophies
- 2 penalty misses
- 42 different winners
- 11 wins by Manchester Utd,
the most followed by Arsenal (10) and Spurs (8)

5 FA Cup Heroes

The magic of the cup

Stanley Matthews

At the age of 38 Matthews single-handedly overcame a massive deficit to win the 1953 final which became known as the "Matthews' Final."

Norman Whiteside

Whiteside became the youngest ever scorer in an FA Cup final in 1983 at the age of 18 years and 19 days.

Dave Beasant

The Wimbledon keeper saved a penalty against Liverpool in 1988 leading to victory for the underdogs.

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes is the most decorated of the FA Cup footballers having won 4 medals.

Ian Rush

The wirey Liverpool legend has scored more FA Cup final goals than anyone else.

FA Cup Howler

The classic FA Cup howler of modern times goes without doubt to the Liverpool FA cup Final team of 1996.Strolling out onto the pitch in White Suits that can only be described as Miami Vice meets Richie Benaud. Footballer's have very questionable taste when it comes to fashion but this outfit, apparently chosen by goalkeeper David James, is definitely one for the jury.

Watching the Cup

If you are not fortunate enough to score a ticket to the final or your team was miserably dumped out in the 3rd round by a bunch of part-time builders. Never fear, the Cup final is still the 'Guys day' so get your mates over, if it's nice get a Barbie going, and make sure the fridge is well stocked up!

For more facts and stats:

www.thefa.com
www.football365.com