Watford 3-2 Wolves: All was lost but we showed character, says Javi Gracia
Last updated on .From the section FA Cup
Javi Gracia thought "everything was lost" before his Watford side came from two down to beat Wolves 3-2 and reach their first FA Cup final since 1984.
Substitute Gerard Deulofeu scored twice as the Hornets - 2-0 down with 11 minutes left - won in extra-time to book a meeting with Manchester City.
"Everything was lost but we were able to show our character and I am very proud of my players," said Gracia, who hailed Deulofeu as an "amazing player".
"Sometimes it happens if you believe."
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Matt Doherty's header and a fine volley by striker Raul Jimenez had put Wolves in control before Deulofeu conjured up a sublime chip.
Captain Troy Deeney converted a stoppage-time penalty to send the game to extra-time, and Deulofeu then won it with another fine finish.
Gracia said: "I think Gerard was angry [not to be playing] when we started. I like to see the players this way, when they've felt angry, to show what they are able to do.
"The first goal was high quality, but it's not a surprise, I see him in all the training sessions.
"We knew when we started with other players that Gerard would be important, I knew it. What I didn't know was when he started to play, we would be losing 2-0."
'I'll refuse to play'
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was again emotional after the win. The 38-year-old - who was in tears at the end of their quarter-final win over Crystal Palace in March - plans to retire at the end of the season and could now end his career with an appearance in the final.
Gracia refused to say whether he would keep faith with the Brazilian - who has played throughout their FA Cup run - or bring in first choice Ben Foster, but said that he was happy that Gomes "was enjoying this moment like a boy".
After the game, Foster said he would "absolutely refuse" to play in the final.
"Gomes deserves it and should play without a doubt," he said. "He has never let this club down and never will. He was fantastic today."
'I'd like a new deal, please'
The final on 18 May will also be a big day in the career of Deeney, who has scored 122 goals for the club. Having joined in 2010, he was imprisoned in 2012, but became captain in 2014. He signed a five-year contract in 2016, but used a post-match interview to jokily ask for a new deal.
"I was holding back the tears at the end," he said.
"Twelve years ago I was paying £10 a week to play football and now I'm in the FA Cup final. I had a wave of emotion. If anybody is watching, I'd like a new deal, thanks very much.
"There is no ceiling on this squad. These young boys coming up and keeping me on my toes. We've got room to grow."
Deeney also joked that Wolves striker Jimenez - who donned a wrestling mask when celebrating his goal - could keep it on on his way back from Wembley.
After watching a replay of the celebration on Bein Sports, Deeney said: "I'm glad he put that mask on - he could wear it out now as well, now he's a loser. So, enjoy the mask - we got the victory.
"He's a top, top player, it was a great finish, but I didn't see the mask thing. I'm quite happy I only saw it now because I probably would have lost my head if I saw that.
"I think you've got to wear the mask and do all that stuff when you know you're going to win the game."
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Nowadays, it's messages on shirts, kisees, cuddles and preprogrammed dance routines.
All well and good if you win, but if you lose you then you look a prat.
well done watford
Good luck, I hope you beat city.
You at least have the credence to be there!
City haven't won the FA Cup since 2011 which is ridiculous given the bankrolling and regularly lose to weaker opponents in the cup.
Definitely not ruling out Watford to cause an upset.
Well done Watford, you didn't give up, and that's what counts.
I haven't enjoyed a game of football so much for a long time. Either of those teams are worthy of a place in the final and I now hope Watford go and give City a game.
A bitterly disappointed Wolves fan.
Have they changed the rules on relegation? Only 3 clubs go down, not 4. Watford can only be relegated if they lose all their remaining games, Cardiff win all theirs, and turn round a goal difference of 33 between the 2 clubs. The odds are probably about a million to one. Or put ianother way, the same odds as getting a sensible comment from you. Norwich fan born in Watford
Shame for Wolves they’re a good team and plated well although their player Boly is a bit of a dirty cheating player .Ive notice him on MOTD a handful of times getting wins and points the dishonest way.So no sympathy for him.
Good to see Watford sacking their Sporting Director recently following his association with his bullying mate who he'd brought in, no room for people like that in the game these days
How do you work out that Watford are the jammiest team in Premier league,
Do i taste the sour grapes coming through they have earned what they have achieved this season.
Please get your eyesight and ears checked every commentator the referee and VAR gave it as a penalty. Just go and sit in a corner and cry a little more.
Not sure why many pundits/journalists are so shocked it was a good game though, two teams having great seasons with good players one game away from lifting a trophy...think they forget there are clubs that exist outside the top 6!