When the world held its breath… How “Saudi Maradona” almost stole the throne of the goal of the century.

In the history of the World Cup, there are goals that become mere numbers in the tournament records, and others that live on for decades because they changed the world’s view of their hosts.

While Argentina’s Diego Maradona’s legendary goal against England in 1986 holds a special place in fans’ memories, it wasn’t until eight years later that another goal came that made the world stand in awe of the Saudi player from Asia.

That player was Saeed Al-Owairan, and that goal was against Belgium in the 1994 World Cup, the goal that earned its owner the title of ‘Arab Maradona’ and almost brought attention to one of the most famous football strikes in history.