NOBODY expected this! In the 1994 World Cup, Saudi Arabia were supposed to be the easy team, the group filler, the team everyone beats. But Saeed Al-Owairan had OTHER plans! The Saudi midfielder picked up the ball in his own half and ran PAST the entire Belgian defence — one, two, three, FOUR players beaten — before slotting the ball into the net. It was Saudi Arabia's Maradona moment, and it remains the greatest goal in Asian World Cup history!
Country: Saudi Arabia Opponent: Belgium Year: 1994 Round: Group Stage Score: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Belgium Minute: 6'
The Moment
- Al-Owairan collected the ball near the halfway line and embarked on a 70-yard solo run
- He dribbled past four Belgian defenders before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper
- The goal secured a historic 1-0 victory and helped Saudi Arabia reach the Round of 16
- Often called 'the Maradona of the Arabs' after this incredible solo effort
- It remains the most famous goal ever scored by a Middle Eastern player at a World Cup
The Verdict
Al-Owairan's solo run was a thunderbolt from absolutely nowhere. Saudi Arabia against Belgium, and a player nobody outside the Middle East had ever heard of produced a goal worthy of Maradona himself. It was the ultimate underdog moment in World Cup history and it changed forever how the world viewed Asian football!
Tomorrow: #27 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
