With the scores level at 1-1 and just seconds remaining, Frank de Boer launched a 60-yard pass from defence. Dennis Bergkamp controlled the ball with his RIGHT foot — one of the most perfect first touches in football history — flicked it past Roberto Ayala with his SECOND touch, and fired into the net with his THIRD. Three touches. That is ALL it took to produce the greatest goal in Dutch football history and eliminate Argentina from France 1998!
Country: Netherlands Opponent: Argentina Year: 1998 Round: Quarter-final Score: Netherlands 2-1 Argentina Minute: 89'
The Moment
- Bergkamp controlled a 60-yard pass from De Boer with an impossibly perfect first touch
- His second touch flicked the ball past defender Ayala, and his third was a clinical finish
- The goal came in the 89th minute to win the quarter-final 2-1 and eliminate Argentina
- It is universally regarded as one of the top five greatest World Cup goals of all time
- Bergkamp's celebration — arms spread wide, face in ecstasy — became an iconic image
The Verdict
Three touches of absolute perfection from a man who made perfection look routine. The control, the turn, the finish — each one was individually world-class, but together they created the single greatest goal Dennis Bergkamp ever scored in his legendary career. And that is really saying something, because the man was a certified genius. The Iceman's ultimate, unforgettable moment!
Tomorrow: #7 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
