Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has praised the supporters and his team’s fighting spirit after his side earned a place in the FA Cup final with a 2-0 extra-time victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Goals from Frederic Piquionne and Kevin-Prince Boateng in extra-time mean that the Championship bound club will compete in the final of the FA Cup for the second time in three seasons.
England international goalkeeper also denied countryman Peter Crouch with an inspired save near the end of the first 90 minutes to keep Pompey alive and send the game to extra-time.
Grant was overjoyed with his team’s effort on Sunday.
"We had a belief and the courage to win this game, we knew we could do it," Grant told The Guardian.
"They are a good team with a great manager but tactically we played very well. The players gave their hearts. It was not easy.
"Five players were not 100% and some players did not play in their right position and we did not even have one defender on the bench. In spite of this we played football, scored two goals and I could not ask for more."
Portsmouth advances to the final to take on Premier League leaders Chelsea , who eliminated Aston Villa 3-0 at Wembley on Saturday.
For defeating Tottenham the cash-strapped club will also receive a big money boost with £900,000 in prize money for reaching the final and another £1m coming from TV money and gate receipts.
Despite how crazy this season has been at Portsmouth and with the team’s relegation to the Championship assured, Grant was ecstatic with his players and also the fans, who celebrated long after the final whistle had gone.
"The way we did it after what has happened all this season and to see players give everything and not take the easy solution and not give up and to be in the final, it is a crazy day. We could write a book about the many things against us this season.
"This achievement belongs to the fans and the players. The players didn't give up. The fans showed how fans need to behave. They were behind the club despite everything. They are so great they deserve it. This club, this year, I will not forget it all my life."
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