Javi Gracia: Watford’s belief was rewarded

Javi Gracia felt Watford’s unwavering belief was the catalyst as they came from behind to defeat Wolves 3-2 and reach the FA Cup final.

The Hornets are into the showpiece final for just the second time in their history, having last done so in 1984, but it looked highly unlikely for much of the afternoon at Wembley.

Wolves appeared on course for their first FA Cup final since 1960 as they led through Matt Doherty’s first-header and Raul Jimenez’s superb volleyed finish in the second period.

They were a little over ten minutes from victory when substitute Gerard Deulofeu produced an audacious angled flick to cut the lead in half.

Troy Deeney then drilled home from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Leander Dendoncker in stoppage time as Watford got off the ropes and Deulofeu steered home the winner in extra-time to set up a date with Manchester City next month.

“It was very tough. We started playing, working after [the FA Cup win over] Newcastle, after QPR, after Crystal Palace and now after Wolves.
Everything was lost – we were able to show our character and at this moment I am very proud of my players,” said the Watford manager.

They never stopped believing the game would be theirs, says Gracia, who was especially pleased to see the contributions off his bench making a key difference.

“You always believe you can score one goal because in all the games this season we have always competed until the end. It wasn’t different today. We tried until the end and sometimes it happens if you believe. We showed our strength as a squad, our belief,” he added.