Carling Cup Final 2012: Liverpool Will Use Victory for Late Campaign Surge

The Liverpool Reds have turned around a disappointing year with the Carling Cup championship, and they will use that success to fuel them to end their campaign on a high note.

This is all great news for Reds fan base that could use it. Liverpool has tumbled this year. They are currently seventh in the EPL table, and closer in points to the bottom than they are to the top. 

But that was all yesterday. Today they have won their first silverware in six years, and are Carling Cup champions. 

The Game

This was a hard-earned championship that wasn't decided until penalties. This match was tied at one at the end of regulation, and that was no fluke. The match was evenly played from start to finish. 

That again was evident as they entered extra time. Liverpool struck first to go ahead 2-1, but Cardiff had an answer and nailed a neutralizer. 

The back and forth continued, and the outcome was not determined until Cardiff's Anthony Gerrard was wide with the final penalty shot. 

Outlook for Liverpool

This caps an impressive run for Liverpool. They entered the finals by dispatching EPL powerhouse Manchester City. 

That is enough to give any team a giant bolt of confidence, and it will certainly raise expectations for this young Liverpool squad. 

The Reds still have 12 matches left in their EPL campaign, and they are just seven points behind fourth place on the EPL table. 

This team is in position to make a nice run, and end their campaign on a high note. That will pay big dividends going forward. It will change the perception of this team from the inside out. 

This young team knows what they are capable of, and they aren't going to settle for less.