THE TRIUMPH OF ISTANBUL

The 96 were watching as we walked out in Istanbul,
And Shanks and Bob and Emlyn, they were looking down as well.
It seemed to be all over when Milan scored their three goals,
but someone else was watching and that man was a Pole.

So the folks up there in heaven were a little bit surprised,
When Pope John Paul the second appeared right before their eyes.
He smiled at Shanks and Bob and Em then knelt down and said some prayers
Then turned back towards the lads and said "I just spoke to Him upstairs.

He can't do much that's obvious, but he'll see what he can do.
He thinks it might be better if you played a 3-5-2
He saw the team was struggling, and that Finnan needed a rest
But don't you worry lads 'cause now the 'keepers gloves are blessed.

You see - the lad in nets is one of mine So I put in a request
"I know I lived in Italy, down in the Vatican
But I can't quite bring myself to be shouting for Milan
So the words gone down to Rafa, to do the best he can
He whispered very quietly he'd do better with Hamman

He's says you'll be alright from now The game it isn't dead
And things will soon get better if young Stevie uses his head

It was Vladi's birthday yesterday and the man owes him some luck
He'll even do the decent thing and make Milan Baros duck
We owe Xavi a big favour because of the broken leg
But he'll need to chase the follow up and score with his left peg

And then just to make it interesting He's ordered extra time
And we'll see how good them gloves are when Dudek saves it off the line.
We've done everything we can to make sure the ball stays out.
But we cannot interfere with the penalty shoot-out.

So Shanks, Bob, Emlyn and good ol' Pope John Paul
Watched the match in wonder and cheered on every goal
And full time went to extra time with the fans nervously sick
And they waited until the time came for Serginho's first spot kick.

Serghino he missed the goal, and Pirlo's shot was saved
But Didi and Lord Frodsham proved their nerves were not so frayed
Then Thomason put one in, but Riise missed his shot
Then Kaka scored, and Smicer scored, the atmosphere was red hot.

And then almost in slow motion it was time for Shevchenko's chance
But Dudek had different ideas and did a little dance
Then waited for a second as the ball came flying in
Dived to the right and parried it to save it for the win.

As they look down on all the fans and scenes of wild abandon
Em turned to old Pope Johnny Paul and put his arm around him
And said "That was unbelievable, the best game without doubt -
But I thought you said you wouldn't help with the penalty shoot out?"

John Paul looked up and smiled and said "Look son, it wasn't me"
And I wouldn't doubt the word of God in truth and honesty
So Emlyn he was puzzled as the crowd was going wild
But in the corner, on their cloud,Shanks and Paisley sat and smiled.

The moral of the story is that money can't buy success
And neither can a constant whinge to people in the press
And writing a team off when the clock reaches half time
Might just result in something coming out of the divine

Because Shanks and Paisley knew, as the cup was coming home
God wears the red of Liverpool and WE'LL NEVER WALK ALONE!!!