Tottenham 1998 : The Messiah's Return

Three months ago I made a Jurgen Klinsmann special day on Old School Panini with a entire topic on his great season at Tottenham during the 1994-95 exercice (Once upon a time the Klinsmannia). At the end of this season, Klinsmann went back to Germany and the FC Holywood-Bayern Munchen. After 2 seasons, he moved to Italy at Sampdoria but it was not a success story. At the same time, Tottenham is in crisis and it had been a traumatic season for Spurs. So Klinsmann decided to return at White Hart Lane for season's second part. Sampdoria loaned his striker at the end of December to the Spurs and for his second stint at Tottenham, Klinsmann's goals saved the club from relegation, particularly the four goals he scored in a 6–2 win at Wimbledon F.C. This match is so important in Tottenham history. with two games to go Tottenham were still in danger of relegation. A match against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park was not going to be easy and the return of Jurgen Klinsmann in December had not brought about the hoped for revitalisation of the team.

The German was trying to regain full fitness in order to play for his country in the World Cup Finals in France but he had struggled to make a major impact in his second spell at White Hart Lane. Klinsmann, however, rectified that situation in just one game. Spurs had taken the lead against Wimbledon through Les Ferdinand after 18 minutes, Ginola having hit the post in the build up. The home team were level within three minutes and ahead after half an hour – Fear scoring twice.  As half time approached, Spurs equalised when Klinsmann scored his first goal of the afternoon, after some wizardry on the left and a beautiful low cross from Ginola. In the second half Ben Thatcher was sent off after 52 minutes. Two minutes later Klinsmann scored his second. This time it was created by Nicola Berti and Klinnsman added two more inside six minutes. With half and hour to play, Spurs were coasting 5 – 2 ahead. Klinsmann then set up the sixth goal for Saib. With a great David GINOLA too, Tottenham  guaranteed their place  in the Premiership for another year. Jurgen KLINSMANN stopped his carreer two games later on the final day of the Premier League against Southampton. And at White Hart Lane he's still a legend. For memories the best of of this Wimbledon-Tottenham in four minutes with an outstanding Jürgen KLINSMANN who scored 4 goals and delivered 2 assists :