Carol Ann Duffy’s 1993 collection ‘Mean Time’ Essay

The day of the big discipline had arrived, the anticipation was rising and with lonesome(prenominal) 5 hours to go the packs were gathering in the pubs and on the streets. Cardiff was the venue, Millennium stadium to be exact. The FA Cup Final, Manchester United vs. Millwall.The reasonableness men were on the pitch setting up the sprinklers and cutting the poop at the last arcsecond possible, before the teams arrived to warm up and bemuse a get hold of the pitch. The sprinklers head teacherted to spray like the ocean. The droplets of water were dropping quietly like a leaf from the highest tree. As the droplets were falling onto the bouncy blades of grass, they were rail down the blades slowly into the soil creating a nice playing surface.A bus pulled come on side the entrance of the stadium, it was Manchesters bus and the paparazzi skipped as fast as they could to try and get the best picture of the star striker, Ruud train Nistelrooy. The doors of the bus opened slowly just to add to the tension. It was so quite you could almost here a pin drop. Footsteps where heard, the press started h everywhereing slightly the bus .The crowd on the other side of the road, were waiting for autographs. They started vocalizing and chant Ruud, Ruud, Ruud. Some of the lateer players got sullen the bus and quickly walked solid into the corridor, down to the changing rooms while they were totally focused. Next cancelled the bus steps the man of the moment, every one wanted to see. Ruud van Nistelrooy. He walked straight over to the fans signed the autographs. The press got the pictures they wanted and off down the long corridor he went, hair bouncing like a space hopper.The underdogs Millwall arrived in at that place bus proceeding later, but the ring argona was empty. Just one thresh about reporter thither, waiting to reference their manager. The players were fired up stool to fight for The FA Cup.The Grounds men rush onto the pitch dismantled and remov ed the sprinklers. The pitch was ready for the teams. The stadium started to concern up with the crowds sliding through the turnstiles, flashing their precious tickets on the way. direful people standing outside the stadium, offering to buy tickets for 200 pound, more(prenominal) than 5 times over there original value, but with a lots of sentimental value attached, were having no luck.Finally preparations were taken for the twain teams as on the pitch 40 legal proceeding before the game, they were jog from one side to the other, passing the roll with their left, then their amend, firing the ball like a cannon ball. You could sense the teams where ready and all hyped up. certify in the changing rooms for the teams, as the managers prepare there last team talk. Before the teams are announced and minutes before kick off.The teamsheets are in and theres a big shock as Manchester Uniteds Star striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy is only on the bench. Its been reported that he picked u p a knock in the pre-match warm up by the sky reporter, Chris Kamara. This final is anyones game now.The teams are in the tunnel ready and waiting to come out. The stadium is a wash of red and blue. every seat is taken. The anthem of The FA Cup is been blared out of the speakers in the stands. The teams trot out of the tunnel, on to the hallowed turf of the Millennium stadium in Cardiff. The crowd are on there feet cheering, its almost deafening, its that loud.The stumblebum is in the middle ready for kick off. You can almost feel the electricity in the air. Millwall kick off, from left to right all in blue, whilst United are in the famous red, w put one and black colours. on that point was an early serge by Millwall, but with no goal, while Ruud sits on the bench waiting for the nod, nothing came of any attacks in the first 35 minutes of the game. Just before half time, the ball broke free to the young United starlet of Cristiano Ronaldo who galloped down the wing, triple stepped -over into the centre and shot towards goal It hit the post and into the back of the net, one nil to Manchester United. All eyes on the ref, waiting for the half time whistle, there it is. The teams go in at the break. Its Manchester United one, Millwall nil.The Speculation is rising now will Ruud make an display in this final. The teams are back out ready to start the endorse half, after a talking to from the managers. Manchester United kicks off. The crowd are chanting with all there hearts United, United, United, United, United, United, United.Not much happened until Millwalls superlative scorer Harris made a darting run into the penalty area Hes been brought down. The refs pointed at the spot. Its a penalty. Harris will take it its a goal Right in the take place left hand corner. Thats now one one theres nothing separating these teams. Back to the middle for the re-start, oh wait a minute there will be a substitution for Manchester United with only 10 minutes to go, on com es Ruud van Nistelrooy for Alan Smith. It should be all over nowIts so exciting only three minutes to go now. Ronaldo has the ball on the right wing hes not letting go of that ball. Only a minute and a half now left on the clock Ronaldo whips a vitiate in from the touchline. The defender has missed it. Its dropped at the feet of Ruud van Nistelrooy, sure as shooting a goal now. Hes put his foot right through that ball what a goal It went straight through the stewards legs with seconds left on the clock. I dont view it. The whistle has blown. Its all over Manchester United have won by two goals to one. They are The FA Cup ChampionsWell what an exciting give notice to this game. Ruud van Nistelrooy saves the day again.