9. Leicester City vs Manchester United (2)
Ian Holloway is the new manager, and several new players hope to start the 2007–2008 Carling Cup well.
Jamie Vardy is one of the new players who can help strengthen the attack. Kevin Kraut starts the first half, and this time he'll play the full match, despite his young age.
As the home team, Leicester City immediately applied pressure with long passes. However, attacking wasn't easy because Manchester United's players managed to intercept and counter. They weren't playing with a second-string lineup. The standout player this time was Cristiano Ronaldo! Wayne Rooney nearly scored a goal—luckily, the ball hit the goalpost. Leicester City was in danger, and the players were nervous facing Manchester United's resistance.
Kevin dribbled past tough opponents. Alex Ferguson watched the match with great interest. He liked Kevin's way of striking and delivering accurate passes. Unfortunately, his teammates couldn't finish every scoring chance.
In the 12th minute, Kevin's shot from 23 meters out resulted in a goal, and the Leicester City supporters erupted with joy. None of the Manchester United players expected it to go in, and even Cristiano Ronaldo turned to look at Kevin, who ran to celebrate his goal!
Leicester City (1) Manchester United (0)
Leicester City: Kevin Kraut (12')
The opposing attacks became more aggressive. Kevin dropped back to help Leicester City's defense. Manchester United dominated possession when Carlos Tévez headed in a corner kick in the 17th minute!
Leicester City (1) Manchester United (1)
Manchester United: Carlos Tévez (17')
Kevin was sweating and working hard; he ran past defenders, and three Manchester United defenders struggled to keep up until Kevin fired a shot from outside the penalty box in the 38th minute! But it didn't take long for Manchester United to respond in the 41st minute with a goal from a Cristiano Ronaldo assist.
Leicester City (2) Manchester United (2)
(End of First Half)
Ian Holloway's strategy:
"In the second half, we go with counterattacks. We must defend first, whatever it takes! We hold the line, and counterattack in the final minutes. Kevin, we're counting on all of you—don't give them any chance to score!"
Kevin: "Yes, boss!"
Team in unison: "Yes, boss!"
(Second Half)
In the second half, Wayne Rooney almost scored several times, but Leicester City held firm and fought hard to regain possession. Carlos Tévez nearly got his third goal, but his shot hit a Leicester City defender and failed to go in. Manchester United kept up relentless pressure!
Cristiano Ronaldo showed flashy moves, getting past two Leicester City defenders with difficulty, but his attempt was stopped by Kevin, who stole the ball from Ronaldo's feet, frustrating him. Kevin immediately passed the ball to Andy King.
Carrick and Scholes teamed up to block Kevin's breakthrough. Kevin dodged Carrick and Scholes with a feint, sending the ball past both of them—but Rio Ferdinand intercepted and cleared it far from Kevin.
Rio Ferdinand kicked the ball toward midfield.
In the 90th minute with 5 minutes added time, Kevin Kraut shocked everyone by scoring from 45 meters out!
Manchester United's goalkeeper (Van Der Sar) jumped—but couldn't reach the ball!
Geoff Peters (Commentator):
"Kevin again! Kevin again! 45 meters! 45 meters! A long-range strike by Kevin Kraut! 3-2! Leicester City takes the lead! Incredible! In the dying minutes of the second half! Kevin Kraut scores!!! Oh my God! I'm thrilled—this is history in the making!"
Leicester City (3) Manchester United (2)