He was just 18 years old, a TEENAGER, and he destroyed the Argentina defence all by himself! Michael Owen received the ball near the halfway line, accelerated past Jose Chamot, then left Roberto Ayala for DEAD with a burst of pace before rifling the ball into the top corner. The entire planet was watching, and a teenager from Chester became the most exciting player in world football in the space of 10 seconds!
Country: England Opponent: Argentina Year: 1998 Round: Round of 16 Score: England 2-2 Argentina (Argentina won on penalties) Minute: 16'
The Moment
- Owen collected the ball near the centre circle and ran at the Argentine defence at lightning speed
- He beat two defenders — Chamot and Ayala — with pure pace before smashing into the top corner
- At 18 years and 190 days, he became one of the youngest players to score a wonder goal at a World Cup
- The goal levelled the score at 2-2 in one of the most dramatic World Cup matches ever played
- Owen became a global superstar overnight and finished as runner-up for the 1998 Ballon d'Or
The Verdict
Michael Owen's goal against Argentina announced the explosive arrival of a genuine superstar. At just 18 years old, with the whole world watching the biggest rivalry in football, he destroyed two of South America's best defenders and scored a goal that most players cannot score in their entire careers. Pure, raw, explosive talent at its very best!
Tomorrow: #19 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
