10 of the most talked about matches in the last ten FIFA World Cups (excluding the final)

#6 The birth of the Saudi Maradona

The Saudi Maradona's 69m run

The 1994 FIFA World Cup was the first World Cup for Saudi Arabia. In a format which allowed three of the four group teams to qualify for the next round, the Saudis only needed a draw in their game against Belgium. However, a terrific goal from Said Al-Owairan had ensured that Saudi Arabia received all the three points.

Al-Owairan received the first pass in the midfield. He sprinted away and searched for his teammates to pass, but they were all behind him. With acres of space ahead, Al-Owairan accelerated through Belgium's half.

He had run 69 metres with the ball and already took out 4 defenders. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Al-Owairan fired it past Michel Preud'homme into the top corner. This goal resembled Maradona's 1986 World Cup goal in many aspects and earned him the nickname of 'Saudi Maradona.'

This wonder goal became the only goal to be scored by a forward in the tournament. The Saudis would manage to keep the lead and progress to the Round of 16 with the 1-0 victory.

In the Round of 16, they lost to Sweden 3-1 and ended their World Cup campaign. Saudi Arabia became the second Asian nation to qualify from the group stages, and it was all possible due to Al-Owairan's emulation of Maradona.