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Barring injuries, substitutions are often made by managers as part of team tactics either offensively or defensively. Managers are sometimes faced with mind-boggling decisions when it comes to making changes to the squad. There are moments when bringing on fresh players have proven to be a disaster such as players who end up being sent off or injured.
There is always an added risk when managers use up all their substitutions in the match because of the fact that goalkeeper too can be injured. For instance, in February 2007, defender John O’Shea was forced to play as a goalkeeper in Manchester United’s 4-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. This happened in the final five minutes of the match as Edwin Van der Sar was injured when the match entered its closing stages.
On the flip side, it is definitely a sweet feeling when managers bring on players who not only make an impact but also score goals in the process. These five players were introduced to change the shape of the match and ended up making a significant contribution to their team’s success.
#5 Krul, the super 'keeper sub
The Netherlands faced Costa Rica in the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-final tie on July 5. Louis van Gaal’s side were favourites to progress given the gulf in class between the two sides. However, Costa Rica was a defensively disciplined side as they forced a 0-0 draw in normal time.
With about a minute left deep into extra time, van Gaal decided to substitute his first choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul who went on to take charge of the penalty shoot-outs. This switch was a masterclass as Krul saved Bryan Ruiz’s penalty by diving to the bottom right corner and Michael Umana’s effort as Oranje secured a 4-3 win.
#4 Michael Owen's last gasp win
On September 20, 2009, 78,000 fans were buzzing at Old Trafford in anticipation of the Manchester derby.
In the 78th minute of the Manchester derby, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson decided to take off Dimitar Berbatov for Michael Owen. Deep in injury time, the scores were level at 3-3 when Giggs played an inch-perfect through ball to Owen.
The striker duly poked home to the bottom right corner as United sealed a dramatic 4-3 win. The fans were given a treat as the two sides traded goals. Manchester City refused to back down and they equalised three times in the match including Craig Bellamy’s 90th-minute goal but Owen's strike late pretty much sealed the win.
#3 Mario Götze's goal to win the World Cup
Germany made it to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final after demolishing hosts Brazil 7-1 in the last four to set up a decider with their rivals Argentina. The victory over Brazil gave the Germans a real confidence boost heading into their July 13 final. In the semi-finals, Argentina scrapped through a 4-2 post-match penalties win over the Dutch to progress.
This final was a tight affair as both teams were locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and the first half of extra time. It was a tactical switch by Germany’s coach Joachim Low in the 86th minute that eventually made the difference. He substituted veteran Miroslav Klose for the young Dortmund attacker Mario Götze.
Götze went on to score the winner in the 113th minute when Andre Schurrle drew three defenders on the left flank before crossing. Götze controlled the ball brilliantly which created space before steering it past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero as Germany triumphed 1-0.
#2 Clinical Eder
Portugal had the odds backed against them in the Euro 2016 final against hosts France at the Stade de France. Their team tactics went for a toss by the 17th minute as star man Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off injured due to an earlier collision with Dimitri Payet. For the majority of the match, the Portuguese were pinned back into their own half.
In the 78th minute, striker Eder was introduced for the ineffective Renato Sanchez. His primary role was to use his physique and height to hold the ball well when attacking. The enthralling encounter went on to extra time when Eder produced a moment of magic.
In the 109th minute, he unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards that beat Hugo Lloris to the right post and shocked the huge number of French supporters. Portugal held on to the lead became crowned as European champions.
#1 Fergie substitutes turned heroes
One of the most memorable moments in Manchester United’s history was on May 26, 1999 when the club sealed a dramatic treble by winning the Champions League. In front of 90,000 fans at the Camp Nou, United faced Bayern Munich in the final. The two sides had earlier played out to two draws in Group D.
Bayern had a brilliant start as Mario Basler scored a brilliant free kick in the sixth minute. The Germans dominated the match on all fronts which prompted Ferguson to bring on Teddy Sheringham for Jasper Blomqvist in the 67th minute. Also, Ole Gunner Solskjaer replaced Andy Cole in the 81st minute.
These substitutions proved effective as Sheringham scored the equaliser in the first minute of extra time when he converted Ryan Giggs’ fumbled shot to the bottom corner. The drama was completed in the third minute of injury time when Sheringham knocked down David Beckham’s corner to Solskjaer who in turn stretched to score the winner. United prevailed 2-1 on the night to secure their second European title.
