Dider Drogba's incredible first half goal has given Chelsea the lead at halftime in today's FA Cup Semifinal, after a slow and sloppy first half was lit up by a moment of pure magic from the Ivorian striker.
Tottenham Hotspur Vs. Chelsea, FA Cup Semifinal 2012: Drogba’s Wondergoal Has Chelsea 1-0 Up At Halftime
The game didn’t get off to the best of starts when during a moment’s silence for the victims of the Hillsborough Disaster and Piermario Morosini was interrupted by small group of very vocal fans who couldn’t pay their respects.
Once the football started it wasn’t a whole lot better as we saw a slow and sloppy start from both sides.
Dider Drogba sailed a freekick over the crossbar from distance after 9 minutes, then moments later miscued horribly when attempting a half volley which if caught cleanly, could well have burst the net.
At the other end, Rafael Van Der Vaart sent a shot well wide from a similar distance to Drogba's earlier freekick, after some good work from Aaron Lennon on the counter attack played the Dutchman in.
Spurs began to fight back after being territoriality dominated by Chelsea, and Scott Parker's surging run seemed to inspire his side somewhat, as Lennon and Emmanuel Adebayor both began to create chances in and around Petr Cech's goal.
On 25 minutes Ledley King powered a header from a corner towards the Chelsea goal, however Solomon Kalou did exceptionally well to head out and away from on his own goal line, keeping the West Londoners in the tie.
Kalou was at the heart of the action just one minute later when he broke on the counter attack, took his time well and played an inch perfect ball to Juan Mata who was joining him in attack. Unfortunately for the Blues, the Spaniard just couldn't quite get control of the ball when it eventually arrived, meaning the most clear cut chance of the game to this point was squandered.
Spurs had their own wonderful chance when neat play between Van Der Vaart and Lennon lead to the England winger playing the ball back across goal, and Van Der Vaart directing a thumping header towards goal from inside the sex-yard box. On the line though was John Terry to thwart the effort and clear to safety.
Chelsea continued to ride their luck in the 39th minute when Van Der Vaart floated a cross in towards an unmarked Adebayor. The Togolese striker didn’t manage to connect, but the ball bounced up and off the post, much to the relief of Cech who was a mere bystander during the play.
In the 43rd minute, The blues had the lead after an incredible strike from Didier Drogba. A long ball hoisted forward to the Ivorian was well controlled, before Drogba turned William Gallas well, then fired an unstoppable and venomous drive past Carlo Cudicini with his left foot from a tight angle. A world class goal.
Spurs will have it all to do in the second half, but have created some openings so shouldn’t lose heart just yet.
For more on the game head to our Tottenham Hotspur site, Cartilage Free Captain, or for a Chelsea view on things head to We Ain't Got No History.
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