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Redknapp hails defensive display

17/05/2008

Harry Redknapp plaid tribute to his defence after Portsmouth's 1-0 win over Cardiff City in the FA Cup final.

Pompey lined-up with five across midfield with just Nwankwo Kanu up front but despite the system the south coast side were still able to cause the Bluebirds difficulties.

Redknapp said Cardiff had been resilient and he was pleased that his defence had managed to keep such an important clean sheet.

The Pompey manager told the BBC: "It's fantastic. It's a dream come true to come and win the FA Cup. For my family, the fans and the players it has been a good day.

"Cardiff put us under a lot of pressure and we had to deal with difficult situations. My defence was fantastic."

Goalkeeper David James hailed Redknapp, claiming the trophy was deserved reward for the 61-year-old's storied career in the game.

James said: "I'm speechless for once. Harry's a legend now isn't he? Hats off to him."

Redknapp was questioned by police earlier in the year as part of the ongoing investigation into football corruption. Although Redknapp was not charged he admitted it had been "a difficult year off the field" which made him savour the win all the more.

Goalscorer Kanu, who has won a gold medal at the Olympics, the Premier League twice and FA Cup twice with Arsenal, the Uefa Cup and the Champions League claimed the win over Cardiff was "the best moment of [his] life."

The win is Portsmouth's first FA Cup in 69 years and is the second time they have won the trophy in their history.