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Jared Borgetti

Mexico v Italy Korea/Japan 2002 | Group G Oita Stadium Big Eye, Oita

“I don’t know how you’d score into an open goal from there, yet alone past one of the great goalkeepers to ever exist,” said Oscar Perez. Jared Borgetti was running away from goal, his back to it, with no conceivable way of scoring. The aerial lord nevertheless twisted his neck and looped a miraculous header up and over Gianluigi Buffon. “I made a pretty unusual run,” recalled Borgetti. "When the ball came towards me, I had two options: knock it down for a team-mate or just do what I had in mind. “I turned my neck as I headed the ball, and that helped put a little spin on it and make it curve a little. It made Buffon think the ball was going wide but that curve took it inside the post.

“It’s my favourite goal. It wasn’t just a great goal, but it was one scored passed Buffon. It’s what everyone remembers me for.” It helped Mexico steal a stalemate and go through as section winners. It did, however, leave Borgetti with one regret. “Buffon stood there and watched it. I would have tried to save it just to make it look better!” the Sinaloan said laughing.

More on FIFA

Highlights: Mexico 1-1 Italy The Korea/Japan 2002 quiz