After Dejan Lu came off, Liverpool held firm for a while.
But they soon discovered that Manchester United's wings were still razor-sharp.
It was not the substitute Giggs, but David Beckham.
Suppressed by Dejan Lu, Beckham rarely had opportunities to receive the ball and attempt a direct assist. Dejan Lu did not need balls served straight into his mouth either, so many fans had overlooked the handsome young man's crossing ability.
After Dejan Lu came off, Beckham produced two consecutive assists and completely crushed Liverpool.
His long passes were accurate down to the centimeter.
Liverpool's final hope of winning a trophy this season had been snuffed out. The KOP supporters still in the stadium covered their mouths and wept.
No fan traveled away from home to watch their own team get slaughtered.
If the match was a derby and a title was also at stake, it hurt even more.
Is suffering bitter? Just look at Liverpool, the Reds.
The KOP supporters would not have imagined that this was only the beginning.
After fighting for ninety minutes, the whole team received silver medals. That was football at its most cruel.
For something even crueler, one only had to look at Ballack.
A player who could finish second so many times in one season without breaking down had to possess an exceptionally strong mind.
Dejan Lu entered the pitch with his teammates to celebrate.
David James quickly walked toward Dejan Lu.
Cantona halted, then stood in front of him alongside Redondo.
"Relax, mate. I just want to swap shirts."
David James raised both hands and said, "How about swapping shirts?"
Dejan Lu nodded.
James looked at the two guardians and said, "Your employer has agreed. You gatekeepers don't need to stop me now, right?"
"That guy really needs a beating."
Cantona said