The "René Higuita scorpion kick" is one of the most iconic moments in the history of soccer. René Higuita, a Colombian goalkeeper known for his eccentric and adventurous style of play, performed this extraordinary scorpion kick save during a friendly match between Colombia and England at Wembley Stadium on November 6, 1995.
Here's a breakdown of the René Higuita scorpion kick:
The Setup: In the 65th minute of the match, England's forward, Jamie Redknapp, took a shot on goal that Higuita managed to parry away with a diving save. However, the ball rebounded back into the penalty area.
The Scorpion Kick: With remarkable agility and quick thinking, Higuita, while still mid-air from his initial save, extended his legs behind him, essentially curling them over his head. He made contact with the ball using the back of his legs, performing what looked like a scorpion kick.
The Save: The scorpion kick save was successful in clearing the ball away from danger, preventing England from scoring. It was a stunning display of reflexes, athleticism, and creativity.
The Reaction: Higuita's scorpion kick save left the crowd at Wembley Stadium in awe. The audience and players from both teams were amazed by the audacity and effectiveness of the save. Even the English players applauded Higuita's remarkable feat of skill.
Legacy: The René Higuita scorpion kick became an iconic moment in soccer history and is often replayed in highlight reels and discussions of the sport's most memorable moments. It is a testament to Higuita's unique style as a goalkeeper and his willingness to take risks to keep the ball out of the net.
While René Higuita's scorpion kick was unconventional and high-risk, it is celebrated as one of the most unforgettable and entertaining moments in soccer, showcasing the beauty of creativity and improvisation in the sport. Higuita's audacious style of play and this incredible save have cemented his legacy as one of the most charismatic and innovative goalkeepers in soccer history.
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