Not a day like any other: Wimbledon succeeds in the FA Cup final against the sensational Liverpool

To the May 14, 1988 Wimbledon FC managed one of the biggest sensations in the history of the FA Cup. In the final at Wembley Stadium, the Londoners, also known as the “Crazy Gang”, beat big favorites Liverpool 1-0.

Liverpool had just become champions of England and had a chance to win the double. Wimbledon, on the other hand, was staked before the third round as an outsider 33:1.

Liverpool have been the defining team for long periods. But Peter Beardsley’s 1-0 goal in the 35th minute was disallowed after the top scorer was fouled. Instead the referee blew his whistle and only awarded the club a free kick. Less than two minutes later, Lawrie Sanchez made it 1-0 at the other end.

Midway through the second half, Liverpool were once again very close to equalizing. After a foul on John Aldridge, the favorites were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute. The foul was carried out by himself, but Wimbledon goalkeeper Dave Beasant flicked the ball over the left post. It was the first penalty ever saved in an FA Cup Final and Beasant also became the first goalkeeper to captain the trophy after the final whistle.