The FA Cup with Budweiser Semi-Finals are fast approaching and Wembley Stadium welcomes Wigan Athletic, Arsenal, Hull City and Sheffield United next weekend.
And as FA Cup fever begins to build, we look back as some magic moments from Semi-Finals past...
There were few more arresting sights than Paul Gascoigne in his pomp and, even now, nearly a quarter of a century on, Spurs fans still close their eyes and see that goal.
Paul Gascoigne's free-kick
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Arsenal
Wembley Stadium
Sunday 14 April 1991
Five minutes into the North London derby with Double-chasing Arsenal – Wembley’s first FA Cup Semi-Final – Spurs win a free-kick 35 yards out.
Only the very brave – or foolhardy – would attempt a shot from there. Wouldn’t they? Against David Seaman, the world’s most-expensive goalkeeper?
Gascoigne, passed fit at the last minute and still recovering from a hernia operation, doesn’t bother with the tiresome business of boundaries; he lives for the moment.
And this one is his genius in microcosm. No pre-amble, no showmanship – just an eager dash to the ball, a whip-crack of his right foot and Seaman pawing vainly at the ball as it zips into the top corner.
To paraphrase Chas and Dave, Spurs were on their way (back) to Wembley.
Gazza celebrates at Wembley
Gascoigne’s twinkle toes later set up a second for Gary Lineker before his departure on the hour mark.
At the final whistle, he took the applause of the faithful with a solo lap of the pitch, in honour of his finest hour: his own glory game.
You can see more magic FA Cup moments here throughout the week, or read our special feature inside the official Semi-Final match programmes.
Watch Gazza's free-kick
