West Ham into the Conference Final
It has taken 47 years but the Hammers have made it – they are into a major European Final after a determined rather than delirious performance in Holland.
A fabulous goal from sub Pablo Fornals, seconds from the end , saw them through to the Euro Conference Final on June 7 in Prague.
It was enough to give them a 3-1 aggregate score line against AZ Alkmaar on a night when Lucas Paqueta produced an outstanding performance.
He rapped a shot against the outside of a post earlier when despite plenty of AZ possession, the Hammers defence stood firm as the Hammers created history. Paqueta was immense.
AZ with only one defeat in 23 at home this season could never break down our defence where Zouma was outstanding along with Aguerd.
Jarrod Bowen saw a shot rifled wide but the Hammers rarely dominated. In the end it didn’t matter as AZ never did enough to concern us.
The other Europa Conference League semi-final has gone to extra time with Basel and Fiorentina drawing 3-3.
At the end Aaron Cresswell said: “Emotions are running high. It’s been a disappointing season in the League but this is massive. We are all so happy. I can’t wait for the Final. I’m so happy.”
By Hughie Southon
