The FA Cup has produced numerous unforgettable finals since its 1871 inception as the world's oldest national football competition. Here are the most memorable finals that shaped its legacy:

1953: Blackpool 4-3 Bolton Wanderers The "Matthews Final" saw Blackpool overcome a 3-1 deficit with 20 minutes remaining. While Stan Mortensen scored a hat-trick, Sir Stanley Matthews' exceptional dribbling and precise crosses catalyzed the comeback, finally earning him his coveted FA Cup winner's medal.

1973: Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United Second-division Sunderland shocked powerhouse Leeds United with Ian Porterfield's first-half goal. Goalkeeper Jim Montgomery's legendary double save preserved the historic upset, creating one of the FA Cup's most memorable moments.

1981: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Manchester City (Replay) This replay featured Ricky Villa's iconic Wembley goal, where he dribbled through City's defense before finishing coolly to secure Spurs' victory in extra time.

2001: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal The first FA Cup final played outside England saw Michael Owen score twice in the final seven minutes, turning certain defeat into victory for Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

2006: Liverpool 3-3 West Ham (Liverpool won on penalties) The "Gerrard Final" featured Steven Gerrard's spectacular last-minute equalizer from distance, forcing a penalty shootout where Liverpool prevailed after trailing 2-0 early in the match.

These finals exemplify the FA Cup's enduring appeal as a tournament where underdogs can triumph and legends are made through moments of individual brilliance and team resilience.

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