By Doug McIntyre
FOX Sports Soccer Writer
Editor’s observe: Each day between now and the kickoff of the primary match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Nov. 20, we’ll unveil a distinct reminiscence from World Cup historical past. The countdown from 101 continues with Maxi Rodríguez’s surprise strike vs. Mexico.
Upon taking a 1-0 lead over two-time World Cup champ Argentina on Rafael Marquez’s aim simply 5 minutes into their spherical of 16 match at Germany 2006, Mexican followers may very well be forgiven for considering that possibly this was the 12 months their staff would advance to the quarterfinals for the primary time away from dwelling soil.
And though Hernan Crespo equalized for the Albiceleste nearly instantly, the lofty hopes of El Tri’s supporters remained intact because the match entered further time. If Mexico may merely maintain on for the subsequent half-hour, they’d be the crap-shoot of penalty kicks away from a spot within the remaining eight.
Maxi Rodriguez had different concepts. Stationed on the appropriate aspect of Mexico’s 18-yard field midway by the primary further 15-minute interval, the Argentine winger caught a pinpoint diagonal move from left again Juan Pablo Sorin on his chest. El Tri defender Gonzalo Pineda was to his proper, so Rodriguez directed the ball towards his weaker left foot.
Without letting it hit the bottom, he then volleyed a curling shot previous the outstretched glove of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez and into the aspect netting. The supernaturally lovely strike was sufficient to ship Argentina into the final eight and relegate Mexico to its fourth consecutive knockout spherical defeat. To no person’s shock, it was additionally named the aim of the event.
Maxi’s magical volley
Maxi Rodríguez of Argentina put in a surprise aim off a volley to defeat Mexico.
One of the main soccer journalists in North America, Doug McIntyre has lined United States males’s and ladies’s nationwide groups at a number of FIFA World Cups. Before becoming a member of FOX Sports in 2021, he was a employees author with ESPN and Yahoo Sports. Follow him on (*101*) @ByDougMcIntyre.
Get extra from FIFA World Cup 2022 Follow your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra.
