Green's penalty stop saves the day

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP) — Robert Green rescued West Ham as his stoppage time penalty save preserved a goalless draw against Portsmouth on Saturday.

Portsmouth looked set to steal the points at Fratton Park when referee Mike Dean ruled that Danny Gabbidon handled in the penalty area. But Green plunged to his left to keep out Zimbabwean striker Benjani Mwaruwari's weak spot-kick.

It was a dramatic end to a match that had been a damp squib for long periods. Benjani's miss denied Portsmouth a fifth successive win but Harry Redknapp's side didn't do enough to win it.

Despite their lucky penalty escape, West Ham were left to rue a shocking miss by Nolberto Solano, who headed wide from no more than two yards out.

Green set the tone for his heroic...