The inevitability of Leicester City's last second winner against Everton on Sunday did nothing to dampen the madness surrounding it. That's because there's nothing quite like a goal at the death to change the course of a football match.
The story has been told. Time is up. Nothing else should happen. But there's always hope. And there's always anguish and anxiety.
Then is happens.
Elation from players, fans and managers like nothing else you'll see in sport.
And then there's the dejection. Then there's Marco Silva looking like there's nobody within a mile and a half of him. The loneliest man in England.
Mark Farrelly, Sean Meehan and Mick McCarthy debated the virtues of a proper last minute goal on this week's Balls.ie Football Show, and came up with an entirely subjective list of their favourites.
There were plenty of mentions of course for the other side of the last gasp goal, the beaten docket of a football team left eating the grass and utterly crushed. See Ireland's entire Euro 2000 campaign if that's your bag.. For this though, we're focusing on the positive. There's been a huge upturn of dramatic last second winners in the last couple of years. Last season alone gave us a lifetime's worth. Here's the lads' list in not particular order and you can vote for your favourite below.
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If your choice didn't make the list, please let us know. We've already remembered about 30 more since recording the podcast!
The Nominees:
John O'Shea V Germany - Euro 2016 Qualifier
Months before Shane Long did it in Dublin, John O'Shea did it in Gelsenkirchen. Ireland had held the world champions at home, and had done it in the very last second.
Robbie Keane V Germany - World Cup 2002
Except for those of us doing Leaving Cert English Paper 2, Robbie's goal stopped the nation. Ireland had been brilliant against Germany, but our chance had passed. We were as good as going home. Up steps Niall Quinn. Up steps Robbie Keane. Cue chaos.
Robbie Keane V Spain - World Cup 2002
When all hope was lost yet again....
David Beckham V Greece - World Cup 2002 Qualifier
Beckham's crowning moment. After spending three years atoning for his sending off at France 98, he dragged his country to the 2002 World Cup with this performance, topped off by a trademark free kick.... in the last second... at Old Trafford.
Aaron Lennon V Arsenal - Premier League 2008
Arsenal were 4-2 up with just a minute of normal time to play. Minutes later, Aaron Lennon had made it 4-4 in the North London Derby. This one meets several criteria - a night game, a derby, a big comeback, and a fan celebrating on the pitch.
Lucas Moura V Ajax - Chamoions League 2019
As bad for Ajax as it was glorious for Spurs. Hold on for one more second, and you're there. Nothing is worse than losing a semi-final to this goal.
Sergi Roberto V PSG - Champions League 2017
Has there ever been anything like this. A 4-0 defeat, then concede an away goal. No matter who you are, it's over from there. Right?
The whole world went mad!
Fernando Torres V Barcelona - Champions League 2012
Commentary is a huge part of these. Sometimes you just know a goal from the sound of it. Gary Neville losing it for Torres' goal is probably the best example of this.
Andres Iniesta V Chelsea - Champions League 2009
Before Torres broke Barcelona hearts, Iniesta broke Chelsea's. A cracker of a strike which led to all kinds of mayhem including Drogba declaring the whole thing was a fix.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer V Bayern Munich - Champions League Final 1999
"They always score!"
Probably the famous tandem of late goals in history. Sheringham and Solskjaer win the Champions League for Manchester United at the Nou Camp.
Michael Thomas V Liverpool - First Division 1989
A book was centred around this moment. A film was made out of the book. Then another crap film was made in America. None of them could match the actual drama of a league season ending with a last second goal scored against the team they had just taken the title off. Nuts.
Brian Moore's perfect commentary makes it even better.
Sergio Aguero V QPR - Premier League 2012
Almost as dramatic a finish to a league season, Manchester City won their first title since 1968 in the 94th minute with probably the most famous goal in Premier League history.
Ashley Young V Everton - Premier League 2008
Joleon Lescott equalised for Everton in the 93rd minute only for Ashley Young to rinse him seconds later for Villa's winner. Lescott would later have his revenge on Villa by signing for the club.
Steve Bruce V Sheffield Wednesday - Premier League 1993
The invention of Fergiue time. Two goals from Bruce in injury time rescued a win for United. Brian Kidd and Alex Ferguson celebrated like United had one their first title in 26 years. A month later, they had.
Troy Deeney V Leicester City - Championship Playoffs
The maddest two minutes you've ever seen.
Mark Viduka V Arsenal - Premier League 2003
This goal kept Leeds up and denied Arsenal the title. This guy really can't believe it!
Christy Fagan V Derry City - FAI Cup Final 2014
The goal that brought a tear to Brian Kerr's eye, and apparently set our own Sean Meehan off for hours.
Steven Gerrard V Olympiakos - Champions League 2005
"OH YOU BEAUUUUUTY!"
Steven Gerrard V West Ham - FA Cup Final 2006
Divock Origi V Everton - Premier League 2018
"LOOK AT JURGEN KLOPP!"
Origi's winner in the Merseyside Derby last December was as mad a winner as you'll see. A Van Dijk shank, a terrible Pickford error, two bounces on the crossbar, an Origi header, a Jurgen Klopp freak out.
Michael Owen V Arsenal - FA Cup Final 2001
So many of the great late goals are part of a multi goal turnaround. This was Owen's second goal in ten minutes to win the first Cardiff Cup Final.
Jon Macken V Spurs - FA Cup 2003
3-0 down at half time? Man sent off? Dont' worry about it if Kevin Keegan is your manager.
Nayim V Arsenal - UEFA Cup Final 1995
The former Spurs player beats Arsaenal in the last second of the Cup Winners' Cup final... with this!
Nacer Chadli V Japan - World Cup 2018
Ronnie Whelan wasn't happy with Japan trying to win the game, but what a counter attack to win a game from Belgium.
Dennis Bergkamp V Argentina - World Cup 1998
On top of the list in terms of quality. And on top of the list in terms of commentary.
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SEE ALSO: Irish Player Ratings: Matt Doherty's Star Continues To Rise
