Vote of confidence in Cardiff

Michael Owen set up a thrilling Cardiff finale

The Football Associaition has confirmed that Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will host August's Charity Shield between Liverpool and Manchester United.

Saturday's FA Cup final in which Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-1, has been hailed a success.

The FA now look certain to return to Cardiff for the 2002 final while Wembley is redeveloped.

FA spokesman Paul Newman said: "The signs are very promising that we will return next year.

I have three choice words: `You were wrong'

Glanmor Griffiths rounds on his critics

"Cardiff and the whole of Wales did us proud yesterday.

"The important thing is that it felt right."

Players, officials and fans from both sides were generous in their praise for the 72,500 capacity stadium and the city of Cardiff itself.

Millennium Stadium chairman Glanmor Griffiths said: "I have absolutely no doubt the final will stay in Cardiff.

"We have an agreement with the FA for a period of up to five years and we have demonstrated we have a fine venue."

Quality

Griffiths dismissed reports circulating before the weekend that the FA had been eyeing Twickenham as an alternative to Cardiff should the city not have been up to scratch.

"We do believe we have the finest stadium in the UK, Europe and possibly the world.

"For those people who doubted our ability to stage this game, I have three choice words: `You were wrong'."

FA chief executive Adam Crozier agreed.

"I don't think you will find a fan in this stadium who would argue with the quality of the event.

"I am absolutely delighted with the way the final has gone, the occasion and the atmosphere of the game," he said.