Staff Correspondent
Ángel Di María had never beaten Newell’s Old Boys – the boyhood club of Lionel Messi – while playing for his beloved Rosario Central. For over 80 minutes last night, it seemed like the Argentine Primera División clash would end in a goalless draw.
Then came the 82nd minute. Rosario earned a free-kick well outside the box. Naturally, their biggest star stepped up. Until then, Di María had looked tense in the derby, creating few chances and having little influence on the game. From nearly 28 yards out, few expected what came next.
But legends are made for moments like this. Di María kissed the ball, placed it carefully, took a few steps back, and unleashed a thunderous left-foot strike. The ball, traveling at 81 km/h, soared like a missile into the top-left corner past goalkeeper Juan Espínola. The keeper dived in vain, creating only a frame of beauty, but with no chance of stopping it.
The stadium erupted. At last, Di María had delivered victory for Rosario Central against their fiercest rivals in the derby – and in the most spectacular fashion.