Something never before seen, and, likely, never again. In a game not for the faint-hearted, Roman Riquelme scored a “golasso” for Boca to tie the score at the Bombonera against city rivals Velez, certainly a contender for goal of the week in Argentina. But then 9 minutes later the play that made its way into the highlight reel around the world took place courtesy of El Loco, Martin Palermo. Not only spectacular, but it was a game winning goal against the league leaders Velez Sarsfield that gave Boca a desperately needed boost after successive defeats and Copa Sudamericana elimination.
Riquelme’s goal had come shortly after Velez striker Gustavo Lopez defied gravity, laws of physics and any rational explanation by impossibly missing a tap-in open goal that would have killed Boca hopes and that surely caused ulcers among the Velez people. Then an incomparable play, perhaps with the implication of the Velez goalkeeper. Certainly a genial, reflexive stroke by Palermo, who is in excellent form after scoring two against Ghana in a mid-week friendly. Diego had taken notice and had called up Palermo to Argentina’s senior team for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay prior to yesterday’s wonder. Any questions regarding Palermo’s convocation are now moot. Enjoy!