5 most important goals scored by substitutes at the FIFA World Cup

#4. Victor Esparrago, Uruguay vs Soviet Union, 1970

Esparrago's late header helped Uruguay reach the semi-finals of the 1970 World Cup

Uruguayan forward Victor Esparrago is one of the finest Uruguayan footballers of his generation. During the 1970 World Cup, Esparrago did not have a very good group stage, as he went goalless. In the quarter-finals against Soviet Union, Esparrago was benched.

Soviet Union were the heavy favorites to reach the semis. However, the match did not have much excitement and went scoreless. With the score 0-0 after full-time, the match proceeded into extra-time. At the start of extra-time, Soviet talisman Anatoliy Byshovets scored a goal, which was later ruled offside by the referee.

During the 103rd minute, Esparrago came on to play, replacing Dagoberto Fontes. With only two minutes left, Uruguay skipper Luis Ubinas sent a long ball from the right flank which was fought by Soviet skipper Albert Shesternyov and Uruguay’s Julio Cesar Castillo. The ball nearly went outside when Atilio Ancheta got the ball and passed it towards Esparrago, who headed past the running Soviet goalie Anzor Kavazashvili. Uruguay won the match 1-0 and were surprisingly through to the semi-finals.