|
|
Ayala puts Owen dive in the past
11-Oct-2012 5:10:00 PM
The Stoke City striker admitted to going down easily during England's World Cup tie with Argentina in 1998, but the 39-year-old has admitted that he hardly remembers the incident
EXCLUSIVEBy Luciano Garzo
Former Argentina captain Roberto Ayala has admitted that he struggles to remember Michael Owen's dive in the 1998 World Cup last 16 tie against England.
The South Americans eventually progressed on a shoot-out after a controversy-fuelled 120 minutes which saw the Three Lions awarded a dubious spot kick.
Owen later admitted via his Twitter account that he went down too easily and had conned the referee, but, for the former Valencia defender, the incident is in the past.
"To be honest, I don't remember that moment. I read what he said on Twitter but I'd have to watch the match again," Ayala exclusively told Goal.com.
"It's all in the past now. It's just words and nothing else. I'm not angry or anything.
"Football is a bit like that. It's a bit about trying to deceive your rival and, to an extent, deceive the referee too, in order to gain an advantage.
"Maybe [Owen] thought he had to fall to the ground to earn a penalty and that's what happened."
Ayala currently works as a director of football for Racing Club de Avellanda in his homeland.
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Why Ancelotti is the right man to deliver La Decima
In the aftermath of the announcement of Mourinho's imminent departure from Real Madrid, Brendon Netto discusses why Ancelotti could be an able replacement.
-
Arsenal should build on CL qualification
Arsenal were ecstatic last night after securing fourth place once again. Brendon Netto discusses why it's time Arsenal build on this platform and finally move forward..
-
Goal Special: FPAI Best Coach nominees
As the Football Players' Association of India (FPAI) awards ceremony is all set to take place on 23rd May, Goal discusses why these 5 coaches deserved to be nominated...
-
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
-
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel