In 1998, former France defender Laurent Blanc, who is celebrating his 60th birthday today, etched his name into the history books as the first player to score a golden goal in a FIFA competition.
The dramatic strike was the only goal of the last-16 tie against a plucky Paraguay side at the Stade Felix Bollaert in Lens on 28 June at the 1998 FIFA World Cup™. It proved to be a crucial moment for Les Bleus, who were suddenly filled with the conviction that nothing could stand in their way as they pursued the most prestigious trophy of all.
On Le Président’s birthday, FIFA looks back on this unforgettable moment.
The context
Having missed out on Italia 1990 and USA 1994, France returned to the global extravaganza as hosts in 1998. While criticism in the French press was rife leading into the tournament, Aime Jacquet’s side dispelled any doubts during the group stage thanks to a 3-0 win over South Africa in their first match, a 4-0 drubbing of Saudi Arabia and a 2-1 triumph against Denmark.
Buoyed by their flawless start, France headed into their last-16 showdown with Paraguay brimming with confidence, but deprived of a suspended Zinedine Zidane, who had picked up a red card against the Saudis.
The match
Paraguay set the tone right from the get-go by fighting for every ball and not allowing the hosts to settle. The Albirroja had already showcased their defensive pedigree by keeping two clean sheets and only shipping a solitary goal in a 3-1 victory over Nigeria in the group stage. Shorn of maestro Zizou, France were unable to break down a resolute, well-organised and gritty Paraguay rearguard in the sweltering Lens heat.
David Trezeguet, Bernard Diomede, Thierry Henry and Marcel Desailly all mustered attempts on goal, but were thwarted by an inspired José Luis Chilavert or his upright. Despite having the lion’s share of possession and carving out more chances, Les Bleus were seemingly running out of ideas and were forced into extra time. “Paraguay posed us more problems in that match than in any other in ’98,” admitted Blanc during an interview with FIFA in 2018. “It was probably the only game in the competition that we didn’t control.”
The goal
As frustration grew among the French ranks, with Chilavert continuing to shine – notably against Robert Pires and Stephane Guivarc’h – and with the prospect of a tense penalty shoot-out looming large, Le Président chose to abandon his defensive duties and push forward to send the home crowd into raptures with his 114th-minute winner.
“I had no business being there, but there comes a time when you have to try to take responsibility,” he later explained. A cushioned header by Trezeguet was smashed into the back of the net on the half-volley by the former Marseille defender from inside the box, giving the Paraguayan goalkeeper no chance, as the first FIFA World Cup™ golden goal was converted in eye-catching fashion.
“That was the moment,” said Blanc, “when we saw we could go all the way and that success was within our grasp.” And all the way they went as Jacquet’s side were crowned world champions on 12 July 1998 thanks to a historic 3-0 victory over Brazil at the Stade de France.
Quotes
“This is the most incredible joy to score in this way. What went through me when I scored was just indescribable.” Laurent Blanc
“With a golden goal in extra time, the emotions are heightened. It’s just extraordinary. It’s a ten out of ten feeling.” Youri Djorkaeff, France forward in 1998
