A great snippet from the '20 goals that shook the world' series. Dennis Bergkamp scores a magnificent goal in the final minute of the 1998 World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina. Though he is known for his incredible technique with the ball, I loved hearing Bergkamp talk in this clip about perfection.
Bergkamp: 'I don't think you ever play the perfect game.'
Interviewer: 'Wasn't that goal against Argentina perfection though? For one minute?'
Bergkamp: 'For one minute, yeah. The moment itself was, yeah, I think perfect.'
This idea really resonates with me. Instead of focusing on overall perfection, we can focus on perfect moments. I've heard this idea before, usually framed as 'seek defining moments.' It's important to put yourself in a place to do great things and to achieve the sublime.
Lastly, I am impressed by Bergkamp's humility and poise. Though this goal seems like a piece of perfection that came out of nowhere to those who watch it, for Bergkamp, it it does not seem that out of the ordinary. To him, it only makes sense after the time and effort he has put in to become a better footballer. That goal is just a small piece, a perfect moment, that fits in a larger narrative of his career.