MARCUS ALLBACK had a baby named after him in honour of his “crappy” historic winner for Copenhagen against Manchester United.
His career was reborn in the Danish capital after he failed to make a name for himself at Aston Villa.
The ex-Sweden striker consigned United to a shock 1-0 loss by scoring Copenhagen’s first Champions League goal in 2006.
Allback’s scrappy finish was decisive both on the night and in a delivery room.
He said: “To get a first goal and first points in the Champions League against the giants of Man United was massive.
“I still get recognised in Denmark, largely because of that goal. It was a big moment for football in Denmark.
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“It was my only chance in the game. The ball came across and I was going to volley it but missed it, then scored with the second attempt after Edwin van der Sar went down.
“I’d hardly had a touch and it was a crappy goal but nobody cared. You don’t get remembered for how it was scored.
“Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal disallowed and a draw was a fair result but we held on and the celebrations were amazing. I can remember it so clearly and it’s always talked about when I go to Denmark.
“I had a really good story two or three years ago when I was back in Copenhagen for a game and a lady and her son came up to me asking for a photo in the street.
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“She explained she was pregnant when she was at the game against United and decided to name her son Marcus when he was born for that reason.
“It was a little bit surreal that happened in honour of my crappy goal!”
Allback thinks Copenhagen can see off United once again tonight and gain revenge for a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford last month.
I’d hardly had a touch and it was a crappy goal but nobody cared. You don’t get remembered for how it was scored.
Marcus Allback
He said: “United will be on a high after beating Fulham but they are not in a great moment. They are not the force they were and it would not be a surprise like it was when we beat them 17 years ago.
“They had many stars in the team but now things are difficult for United.
“Copenhagen have a chance of beating them, there’s no doubt about that.
“They are the biggest club in Scandinavia now and that all started with that win in 2006. United will be favourites but Copenhagen are very capable of beating them and obviously they need the win.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
