Friday, July 24, 2009

The scorpion is unwell: Spare a thought for René Higuita

News through from Colombia today is that René Higuita, the famous Colombian goalkeeper who was capped 68 times for his country in the 90s (and still has plans to get back as Colombia's goalie), has gone into hospital suffering from debilitating migraines and that nobody really understands the cause.

The news today took me back 14 years to a moment at Wembley Stadium when England played Colombia. Higuita has always pulled off wild stunts while playing (who remembers his dribbles to the halfway line?) but in the 22nd minute of the Eng/Col game saw Higuita pull off what was voted by fans last year as the best ever single moment in footballing history; The Scorpion.


Here's the youtube video of the moment. If you know it, you'll remember it like yesterday. If you don't know it, have a look at what you simply cannot possibly do while playing for your country...unless you're one of the most talented and craziest goalkeepers ever, of course. Unforgettable.



Get well soon, René, one of the people that makes South America the wonderful place that it is. Mystery head problems are no fun at all. Best wishes from a fan.