LONDON — No matter how much purists try to argue that it sums up the magic of the F.A. Cup, regardless of the "ideal" David vs. Goliath matchup and, to the relief of some, the fact that none of the Big Four clubs is involved, the final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City is the least interesting most neutrals can remember.
This is no fault of the teams involved at Wembley. It is simply that the only magic about this final is that it will make television viewers disappear.
Even that it is England vs. Wales adds no extra edge and how Portsmouth vs. Cardiff needs it. If pushed, most supporters would say that, yes, it would be good if Harry Redknapp led Portsmouth to victory.