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Michael Owen
Argentina v England
France 1998 | Round of 16
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne
“The goal definitely changed my life,” Michael Owen would later state, as he reflected on the strike which propelled him to global stardom.
England’s last-16 tie against Argentina at France 1998 was locked at 1-1 after 15 breathless minutes when Owen seized his moment. The 18-year-old striker alighted on a chipped pass from David Beckham, taking a perfect first touch to set him on his way towards goal. He blazed past Jose Chamot and Roberto Ayala before firing a sensational finish beyond goalkeeper Carlos Roa.
While a dramatic contest ultimately ended in heartbreak for England, with Argentina prevailing in a penalty shootout, Owen had produced one of his country’s greatest World Cup goals.
“I don’t think it changed me as me, but to the outside world and people looking at me, it just brought a lot more scrutiny,” he added. “It announced me to the world of football. In that way, it changed my life.”
Argentina v England full match highlights
Argentina v England | Greatest Games
France 1998 quiz
