Don't tell Tottenham Hotspur players the Carling Cup is a meaningless competition -- or the supporters who will be dancing in the streets in London tonight. When you haven't won a trophy since 1999, any hardware will do.For Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate, any goal would have done, too. His extra-time header, which bounced off Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech's fists and back off his head, won it for Spurs, who upset Chelsea, 2-1, to take the Football League knockout title in Wembley Stadium.
The injury-prone Woodgate joined Spurs last month from Middlesbrough as Juande Ramos attempted to help solidify Tottenham's woeful backline, which held firm after Didier Drogba's goal in the 39th minute. Spurs dominated possession in the first half and had numerous scoring opportunities but were unable to convert.
Their big break came in the 70th minute when a sideline judged called Chelsea's Wayne Bridge for handball in the penalty area. Dimitar Berbatov converted for the equalizer. Spurs might have clinched in extra time, too, if Didier Zokora had any clue what to with the ball.
Pundits will credit Ramos' diet and workout regimen for Spurs' extra stamina in extra time, but the bottom line is that Spurs were clearly hungrier than Chelsea throughout the entire match. If they play like this for their UEFA Cup matches, they might even get a double.
