I think what Cole did was what most professional footballers
would have done, Injury time, leading by a goal only... Block the
goal bound ball with his hands rather than let it go in and not win
the match... Who knows, maybe the goalkeeper could have save the
penalty? And if he did, then all would have been worth it...

Or the other reason could be he and Carvalho wanted a longer
holiday... So now they can rest till 19 of Jan 2008... Carvalho can
go back to Portugal for an extended New Year Holiday... 