With 35 days until the 2026 World Cup, we continue revisiting memorable goals from tournament history. Today's story comes from the 1990 Italy World Cup Round of 16 clash between Brazil and Argentina.
When you look back at that goal, you see five Brazilians against only two Argentinians, Claudio Caniggia said. It seemed impossible for Argentina to score. But when Diego Maradona was involved, you almost always had the advantage. Maradona had produced similar miracles at the 1986 Mexico World Cup against England and Belgium. This time, collecting the ball in his own half, he somehow eluded Alemao, Dunga, and Ricardo before sliding the ball through to Caniggia. Goalkeeper Taffarel rushed out, but the striker known as the Wind Spirit elegantly rounded him and slotted home, sending Argentina into the quarter-finals.
Caniggia recalled the moment as unbelievable. Facing their biggest rivals in a World Cup match, and with Diego producing a moment of genius, it felt like something from a video game. Two against five, and they still found a way through.
