14 Michael Owen Goal v Argentina 1998

Number 14 from the channel 4 show 100 Greatest Sporting Moments Liverpool’s Michael Owen stuns the world. In the 16th minute, he collected a David Beckham pass from midfield, still in the centre circle. His first touch with the outside of his boot was sublime, moving him away from Jose Chamot. His speed couldn’t be matched by the defender, but he also managed to stay strong despite niggles at his heels, which were fast becoming a black blur behind the ball. First task navigated, he then faced Ayala in a one-on-one situation. Owen pushed the ball past him and darted beyond him in one swift movement, completely taking him out of the game. Now in the penalty area, and with Carlos Roa narrowing the angle, he still had to finish – and did so, striking the ball high and across the goalkeeper, into the top right-hand corner. It was the goal to put England ahead, but also the goal that made the world take note. Ayala and Chamot were two of Serie A’s finest defenders and Owen had simply marmalised them.