Michael Owen announced himself on the global stage with a stunning solo strike against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, but it wasn’t enough to get England through.
Hosts France won their ever World Cup after dispatching of Brazil 3-0 in the final at the Stade de France, with arguably the two best players on the planet enduring very differing fortunes.
Zinedine Zidane’s double instantly earned him legendary status, but Brazilian superstar Ronaldo reportedly had a seizure before the game and was out of sorts from start to finish.
England progressed from a group containing Tunisia, Romania and Colombia, having earned six points from their three games.
PA NEWS PHOTO 22/6/98 MICHAEL OWEN IN ACTION FOR ENGLAND AGAINST ROMANIA IN THEIR GROUP OF THE QUALIFYING ROUND IN THE 1998 WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT IN TOULOUSE, FRANCE. ENGLAND LOST THE MATCH 2-1
Michael Owen, the 18-year-old prodigy of whom much was expected, came off the bench to equalise in the eventual loss to Romania, but his big moment was just around the corner.
Fellow Liverpool men Paul Ince and Steve McManaman were also part of the squad, with the former a key player at the heart of the midfield.
Michael Owen announces himself to the world
File photo dated 30-06-1998 of England's Michael Owen scoring England's 2nd World Cup goal against Argentina at St Etienne tonight
Glenn Hoddle’s side faced one of their great rivals, Argentina, in Saint-Etienne at the second-round stage, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
Gabriel Batistuta’s early penalty was cancelled out by Alan Shearer’s ninth-minute spot-kick, won by Owen after being fouled by Roberto Ayala.
Seven minutes later the watching world witnessed a moment of footballing genius from one of the youngest players at the tournament.
Owen, found by David Beckham on the halfway line, took the ball down brilliantly, dance past Jose Chamot and weaved beyond Ayala before firing an empathic finish past Carlos Roa in the Argentina goal.
Argentina 2-2 England (AET)
June 30, 1998 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Lineups & Substitutions
England (3-5-2)
1. Seaman
12. Neville
5. Adams
2. Campbell
14. Anderton (Off 97′)
7. Beckham (Red 47′)
4. Ince
16. Scholes (Off 78′)
3. Le Saux (Off 71′)
9. Shearer
20. Owen
Subs:
6. Southgate (On 71′)
15. Paul Merson (On 78′)
8. David Batty (On 97′)
Argentina (4-4-2)
1. Roa
14. Vivas
2. Ayala
3. Chamot
22. Zanetti
5. Almeyda
8. Simeone (Off 91′)
11. Veron
10. Ortega
7. Lopez (Off 68′)
9. Batistuta (Off 68′)
Subs:
19. Crespo (On 68′)
20. Gallardo (On 68′)
16. Berti (On 91′)
Result: Argentina won 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
It was a truly breathtaking moment and one that turned Owen into an icon overnight.
Despite the Liverpool youngster’s heroics, Javier Zanetti equalised just before the break and David Beckham was sent off early in the second half, with the Three Lions going on to lose on penalties.
Even in the shootout, Owen showed he had nerves of steel by converting his effort with consummate ease. Ince saw his effort saved by Roa.
It is easy for us as Liverpool fans to dislike and be critical of Owen now – he left for Real Madrid too early in the eyes of many fans and joined Man UNited later in his career – but he was a wonderful player for the Reds, scoring 158 goals in 297 appearances.
His match-winning performance in the 2001 FA Cup Final was unforgettable, as was his hat-trick against Germany for England in the same year, but his sensational effort 16 years ago at France ’98 remains the finest goal of Owen’s international career.
Player Nation Tournament Exit
Stig Inge Bjornebye Norway Round of 16
Oyvind Leonhardsen Norway Round of 16
Brad Friedel USA Group Stage
Michael Owen England Round of 16
Steve McManaman England Round of 16
Paul Ince England Round of 16