Celtic created a little bit of Scottish football history today by becoming the
first team to book their place at the newly refurbished Hampden Park.
The Parkhead side eased into the final of the Tennents Scottish Cup on May 29
thanks to goals from Regi Blinker and Mark Viduka.
Celtic didn't really have to shift out of third gear all afternoon and this
showpiece semi final was a huge disappointment for the 43,000 fans at Ibrox.
United flickered briefly but their performance only emphasised why they are
struggling near the foot of the Premier League.
But that will not bother those supporting the green and whites as they saw
their team reach their first Scottish cup final for four years.
Celtic recalled defenders Stephane Mahe and Enrico Annoni to the starting
line-up as Johan Mjallby and Vidar Riseth were both suspended.
It was Annoni's first game in six months and something of a surprise as coach
Jozef Venglos had hinted yesterday that Morten Wieghorst would play at the
back.
Maurice Malpas returned to the United side after a groin injury and manager
Paul Sturrock was grateful to have his lieutenant back on the pitch.
But the 36-year-old defender endured a torrid time, especially in the first
half, against the Celtic side aiming for a League and Cup double.
United went into the match bidding to reach the Scottish Cup final for the
first time in eight years.
Their record against the Old Firm has been good this season, despite their
lowly League position.
However, they were left facing an uphill task after only 32 minutes with
Celtic racing into a two-goal lead.
Henrik Larsson almost put the title chasers ahead after only ten minutes when
he took a pass from Blinker in his stride, only to fire wide.
Jackie McNamara then saw his effort deflected for a corner after Viduka had
set him up.
United were coming under increasing pressure and goalkeeper Sieb Dykstra raced
off his line to thwart Larsson after Blinker had threaded the ball through.
Celtic stepped up the pace and Viduka directed a glancing header inches wide of
the post following a measured cross from the right by Tosh McKinlay in the 27th
minute.
United were finding it difficult breaking out of their own half, never mind
testing goalkeeper Jonathan Gould.
Celtic got their reward after 29 minutes following a series of errors from
Paul Sturrock's side.
Malpas and Siggi Jonsson both made a hash of clearances and Blinker smashed
the ball into the corner after Paul Lambert's effort had only been half
cleared.
Viduka then had a goal disallowed after an audacious back heel from Larsson.
But the smile soon returned to the Australian's face when he grabbed the
second goal after 39 minutes,
Annoni knocked a long ball forward and Viduka took it in his stride before
thumping it beyond Dykstra, although it took a deflection off the unfortunate
Jonsson.
Celtic coach Venglos made a change at half time with Sheffield Wednesday-bound
Simon Donnelly replacing Viduka in the front line.
United knew they had to make an immediate impact at the beginning of the
second half if they were to get back in the tie.
And Kjell Olofsson, who'd been very quiet during the game, made a good break
on the left after 51 minutes.
The Swedish striker found Jason de Vos inside the penalty area but the
Canadian defender, under pressure, could only knock the ball wide of the post.
Venglos reshuffled his pack again in the 53rd minute with Wieghorst coming on
for Mahe who limped off.
Celtic had taken their foot of the pedal but still looked dangerous every time
they broke forward.
Dykstra did well in the 57th minute to deflect a Larsson shot with his legs
after McNamara and Craig Burley had linked up.
But the match was almost a mirror image of the 1997 League Cup final when
Celtic defeated United 3-0.
And Old Firm final is still on the cards with Celtic now awaiting the winners
of the Rangers-St Johnstone match tomorrow night.
Teams
Celtic: Gould, Boyd, Mahe (Wieghorst 53), McNamara, Larsson,
Burley, Lambert, Annoni, McKinlay, Blinker, Viduka (Donnelly 45).
Subs Not Used: Kerr.
Booked: Viduka.
Goals: Blinker 30, Viduka 39.
Dundee Utd: Dykstra, Malpas, Jonsson, Olofsson, Easton,
Mathie (Thompson 69), Dodds, Miller, Skoldmark, Jason De Vos,Murray.
Subs Not Used: Patterson, Duffy.
Booked: Malpas, Jonsson, Dodds.
Att: 43,691
Ref: W Young (Clarkston).
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