How Cardiff City rated

4-5-1

David James

Made a good early save and an alert dash from goal foiled Parry after 14 minutes. Flapped at a corner kick in the first half and was lucky that a handling offence ruled out a goal by Loovens.

6

Glen Johnson

Better going forward than defending, and may not have impressed Fabio Capello, the England manager. He found Ledley a handful, and even Hasselbaink, who is not the fastest, got past him on one occasion.

3

Sylvain Distin

The most impressive of the back four. The Frenchman was seldom troubled on the ground and unbeatable in the air. He even managed a swashbuckling run late on. Arguably the man of the match.

8

Sol Campbell

Cardiff sought to exploit his lack of pace with a succession of long passes to Parry. However, strength came to his rescue and he was helped by Cardiff playing to his aerial talent in the second half.

5

Hermann Hreidarsson

A gentle afternoon stroll for the big Icelander, with little coming down Cardiff’s right flank. He could have done more in attack, but was entitled to play safe in search of a winner’s medal.

5

John Utaka

The Nigeria winger looked unsure of his footing early on, but waited for his moment before delivering a low cross that created the only goal. After that he grew in confidence to take people on.

5

Pedro Mendes

Perhaps a surprise selection, but he used his experience to settle his teammates. Increasingly bypassed in the second half and Bouba Diop was brought on to weather the late onslaught.

6

Lassana Diarra

The most energetic of Portmouth’s midfield players, and a strong contender with Distin for man of the match. Broke up attacks, carried the ball at pace and even set up a good chance for Kanu.

8

Sulley Muntari

Steady if not unremarkable display. Plenty of challenges won in midfield and some forward runs, one of which nearly ended in glory when he sent a 30-yard shot only a few inches over the crossbar.

5

Niko Kranjcar

The Croatia midfield player was unable to be as effective as he is for his country. Always looked on the verge of making something happen but his characteristic feints, twists and turns led nowhere.

5

Kanu

The sponsor’s man of the match award may have been overgenerous, but Portsmouth fans will not be complaining after a second successive Wembley winner from the man they call The King.

6

Substitutions: David Nugent (for Utaka, 68min): Had a fierce shot saved from a tight angle 5; Papa Bouba Diop (for Mendes, 77), Milan Baros (for Kanu, 86). Not used: Jamie Ashdown, Noé Pamarot. Booked: Hreidarsson, Kranjcar, Diarra.

Average rating 5.6

Referee: Mike Dean: Got most of the big decisions right 7