At times this week, and even amid scores of high-stakes FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers elsewhere, it seemed that all
eyes were on Argentina.
For many, a World Cup without La Albiceleste was hard to imagine, and it's easy to understand why. The South
Americans are, after all, serial title contenders, two-time winners and boast, arguably, the best player in the world.
Argentina are also synonymous with the World Cup because they have produced some of its most memorable
moments. And while Diego Maradona’s magical solo run at the Azteca will spring immediately to mind, you might
also remember Esteban Cambiasso scoring a very different, but equally admirable, goal in Gelsenkirchen.
His celebration, pictured here, says it all. While Maradona was used to scoring wonder goals, Cambiasso seemed as
amazed and awe-struck as anyone watching. The goal, he later reflected, was “patience, rhythm, circulation,
surprise and football artistry at its best”.
If Maradona’s effort had showcased the potential of a supreme individual, Cambiasso’s reminded us of the power of
the collective. All but one of Argentina’s outfield players were involved in a glorious move that comprised 24
consecutive passes, the last of which was a sublime Hernan Crespo back-heel into the goalscorer’s path.
Cambiasso’s left-foot finish merely added the finishing touch to a masterpiece.
Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport hailed it as “an exposition of football,” while Crespo spoke in wonder of “the most
beautiful goal”.
Comments
Post a Comment