Two terrific strikes from Robbie Keane stole the show as Tottenham strolled into the FA Cup quarter finals after thrashing Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Republic of Ireland forward gave Martin Jol’s the perfect start when he volleyed in a Mido flick on in the sixth minute and scored a stunning second after linking up with the Egyptian forward. Dimitar Berbatov grabbed a brace after coming off the bench – rounding off the scoring with an outstanding chip – before Vincenzo Montella was dismissed for an elbow on Keane.
Fulham were competitive for much of the first half with England goalkeeper Paul Robinson making a string of fine saves. He turned over a speculative drive from Brian McBride and then had to react quickly to clear an overhit backpass from Mido, who caused consternation again when his attempted header clear almost ended up in his own net. Robinson clawed it away and after the hosts failed to land a significant blow after the break, Chris Coleman introduced Montella and Collins John off the bench.
Montella reprised some of his earlier Cup form by linking the hosts’ attack with the midfield with some eye-catching touches but just as Fulham were building up a head of steam, Keane lashed his second past Jan Lavstuka after Mido had helped on Anthony Gardner’s free kick. Berbatov than added a double as Fulham pushed forward in search of unlikely salvation and scoreboard suddenly had a much more lopsided look.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Lastuvka; Volz, Queudrue, Knight, Christanval; Diop, Smertin, Davies, Radzinski (Dempsey 67); McBride (John 62), Helguson (Montella 62). Subs (not used): Warner, Bocanegra.
BOOKED: Diop, Queudrue.
SENT OFF: Montella.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-4-2): Robinson; Chimbonda, Lee, Dawson, Gardner; Tainio, Zokora, Lennon (Ghaly 83), Malbranque; Mido (Berbatov 73), Keane. Subs (not used): Cerny, Rocha, Huddlestone.
BOOKED: Gardner, Keane.
GOALS: Keane (6, 68), Berbatov (77, 90).
REFEREE: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
ATTENDANCE: 18,655.
