17 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Diego Forlan
Senegal v Uruguay
Korea/Japan 2002 | Group Stage
Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon
Diego Forlan etched his name into football history at South Africa 2010 when he fired his country to a fourth-place finish and won the adidas Golden Ball.
The striker’s World Cup journey began eight years earlier, however, and he announced himself on the global stage in sensational fashion. Having played no part in Uruguay’s opening two matches at Korea/Japan 2002, Forlan came on as a half-time substitute in their final group game against Senegal.
His team were 3-0 down at the time and, after Richard Morales pulled one back for Uruguay, Forlan further reduced the deficit with a goal of extraordinary quality. An Alvaro Recoba free-kick delivery was headed clear to the then-Manchester United man at the edge of the box, who controlled the ball with his chest before volleying an unstoppable effort beyond goalkeeper Tony Sylva.
Recoba’s late penalty was enough to earn Uruguay a draw, but La Celeste still suffered a group-stage exit. Forlan, however, had proved was the man for the big occasion – and a legendary World Cup career was born.
Senegal v Uruguay full match highlights
World Cup wonder goals: Forlan v Germany (2010)
Korea/Japan 2002 quiz
