On Saturday, May 25, Joe Hart will play in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden for the final time.
Throughout the course of his 20-year colorful career, the 37-year-old England international goalkeeper, who has earned 75 caps, has relished life on the edge of the game.
But it’s unlikely that Hart has gone through as many bizarre moments as the two he did in the penalty-kick shootout at the national stadium against Aberdeen following the thrilling 3-3 draw in a semi-final that nearly sent spectators into a frenzy of anxiety.
With the knowledge that he was just one penalty kick away from guaranteeing his team’s spot in the highlight event next month, Hart took the holders’ fifth attempt at putting the ball in the goal.
Whoops.Joe Hart hits the right-hand post of Kelle Roos with a thud.
The highly ornamented goalie walked confidently forward before clattering his 12-yard attempt off Kelle Roos’ right-hand post.
Hart was forced to reconsider his game-winning tactic, so it was back to the drawing board.
A spot-kick from Junior Hoilett put the Hoops back ahead, and Alistair Johnston finished it off. Before Tomoki Iwata put Brendan Rodgers’ team ahead once more, Jack Milne made the seasoned goalie fish the ball out of his net once more.
When Hart quickly moved to his left to deny Killian Phillips, securing Celtic’s trip back to Glasgow’s south side the following month, he went from zero to hero.
WHOOPSTo begin the Celtic celebrations, Joe Hart dives to save from Killian Phillips.
The endearing figure later described the event on social media as “pure carnage.” adored it
When asked if he would take a penalty kick in the Cup Final if needed, the fearless goalie said, “100%.”I’ll constantly make an effort to shine.
“I believe that in situations like that, you need people who are clear-headed and self-assured. I am that.
That really captures who I am as a player: I’m willing to take risks. The team, the management, and I all totally support each other. I just pulled it too much after going through my procedure.
“Thank goodness I’m a goalie, so I was able to get off the field.”
“I’ve taken one in a 21s tournament,” Hart continued in an interview with the Daily Record. I’ve never used one in a competitive match before.
“I’m devastated not to have scored, but we prevailed.” I didn’t apologize to the lads for missing one. They think well of me. I will always be the person with the bravery and self-assurance to accept the penalty in such situation.
AN OVERLIGHTINGJoe Hart at Hampden, supported by the Celtic supporters.
“I always support myself in order to avoid a penalty. When it comes to fines, I’m crazy. I always believe that I am capable of scoring and saving every penalty.
“I don’t and I didn’t, but fortunately we had excellent penalties, so I had enough time to decide what to do.
The game was really crazy.We never ought to have been in the penalty area. That was a game we ought to have ended.
“I was hoping to win the game when James scored one of my favorite goals of the season. The most crucial thing, though, was that we finished it.
With five games remaining and the champions three points ahead, Hart hinted at a dramatic countdown to the Premiership title battle and said, “There’s no doubt it’s on course for an exciting finale.”
THUMBS UPJoe Hart thanks the Celtic supporters following the thrilling penalty-kick shootout.
But as of yet, nothing has been completed. Exciting times lie coming. I’ve just wanted to participate in everything and present myself during the entire season.
“Although it was sad to lose the League Cup early, we’ve done well in the other competitions—with the exception of the Champions League.
We’re going to compete right down to the wire in the league, and we have a Final date set for the end of the season.
We just need to maintain our focus. We have a quality team and are in a fantastic position. All we have to do is look forward to Dundee and enjoy a great training week.
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