65 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Teofilo Cubillas
Peru v Scotland
Argentina 1978 | Group 4
Estadio Olimpico Chateau Carreras, Cordoba
‘The Kid’ was no longer a kid. Teofilo Cubillas, an unknown 21-year-old, had hit five goals in four games at Mexico 1970, and was voted its best young player.
After the attacking midfielder proved unplayable, and scored a sensational free-kick, to propel Peru to a 3-1 victory over Brazil in Belo Horizonte in the 1975 Copa America semi-finals, a royal declaration was delivered. “I’ve said it before: Cubillas is the new Pele,” commented ‘The King’.
Everyone, therefore, arrived in North America fearing the South American champions’ No10. A formidable Scotland side kept Cubillas at bay for 70 minutes and when, moments later, he shaped to shoot, there seemed little danger, with Tom Forsyth blocking a route to goal. Cubillas imaginatively struck the adidas Tango with the outside of his right boot, however, spectacularly swerving it around the centre-back and into the top corner of Alan Rough’s net.
The 29-year-old briskly completed his brace with another beauty to inspire Peru to a 3-1 win that sent them through – above the Netherlands – as pool winners.
