Copy Sheffield, paste Foggia: Frantic finish in the Serie C playoffs
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 23.05.23. | 14:49
The third-tier do-or-die drama ends in a crucial goal deep into stoppage time
You surely remember those incredible scenes from a few days ago, as Sheffield Wednesday directed a miraculous comeback to win the playoff tie against Peterborough. They managed to return from a 4-0 loss in the first leg, before sealing their fairytale on penalties to book a place in the EFL League One playoff final at Wembley.
Well, Wednesday's miracle just got its Italian spin-off with also third-tier side Foggia.
Once-Serie A slot, now in the third division, lost its first leg 4-1 at the neighbour side Cerignola and needed a 3+ goal win in the rematch to advance. The game was goalless for 78 minutes, but then Foggia went 1-0 up. However, they needed two more going into the 90th minute. Believe it or not, Delio Rossi's team then scored not one but two goals in the six minutes of added time.
The brilliance of the Serie C play-offs is that the higher ranked team goes through if it’s a draw on aggregate. No extra time or penaltiee. So, one minute you can be 3-4 up like Cerignola & going through, then Foggia score and suddenly you’re out. https://t.co/FJV0EnnFz7
— George Young (@GiorgioGiovane) May 22, 2023
Defender Ivan Kontek netted in the dying seconds for eruption and jubilation on both pitch and the terraces. Foggia's supporters went into delirium and invaded the ground to celebrate with their heroes, who are now just a step away from the second division.
The most amazing stories, as you see, come from those lower niches of the football hierarchy. Pure passion and drama make football so unique.
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