Liverpool survive Cardiff scare to win League Cup

Liverpool's players react after winning on penalties against Cardiff City during their English League Cup final soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London, Feb 26, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Warmly applauded

Just before the hour mark Craig Bellamy replaced the ineffective Jordan Henderson and the Cardiff native who played for his home town club on loan last season from Manchester City before joining Liverpool for a second time was warmly applauded on by both sets of fans.

Within a minute Liverpool were level. Downing's corner was met powerfully by Andy Carroll whose header was diverted on to the post by the head of Suarez and when the ball came back to Martin Skrtel he fired past Heaton.

The relief at the Liverpool end was palpable and Dalglish's side enjoy some clear superiority as extra time loomed. Downing's powerful shot drew a sprawling save from Heaton while Suarez buzzed around menacingly.

Adam forced another fine save from Heaton but there were two late scares for Liverpool, first when Turner headed just wide and then when Miller found himself with a clear sight of goal after being played in by an astute Don Cowie pass but the Scot lashed a dipping right foot shot inches over the bar.

"I thought that was our chance to win it with two minutes left," said Cardiff manager Malky Mackay. "We may have lost, but we lost with dignity."

After the flurry of chances at the end of the 90 minutes, extra time took a while to ignite. Carroll looped a header wide before being replaced by Kuyt and Bellamy jinked across the area before hammering a shot over the bar.

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt (L) shoots at goal against Cardiff City during their English League Cup final soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London, Feb 26, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Many Cardiff players lay stretched out on the turf during at halftime of extra time as physios and coaching staff massaged some life back into their aching limbs.

They looked down and out when Dutchman Kuyt rattled a shot past Heaton at the start of the second period of extra time after his initial effort was blocked by a Cardiff defender.

Kuyt made a goal-saving clearance at the other end before Cardiff's massed ranks of fans were sent into delirium when Turner prodded in from a corner.

The Welsh club's joy turned to despair, however, as their nerve failed them in the shootout.