The Iceman's masterpiece: When Bergkamp painted history in three touches

The 1998 FIFA World Cup in France was a tournament of stars. Brazil's Ronaldo Nazario’s, France's Zinedine Zidane’s France and David Beckham of England lit up the global stage. Among them stood a supremely gifted Netherlands side under Guus Hiddink. And at its heart, the ice-cold brilliance of Dennis Bergkamp.

Nicknamed ‘The Iceman’, Bergkamp was the crown jewel of a Dutch team brimming with talent -- Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf and Marc Overmars among them.

Their quarterfinal opponents, Argentina, were equally formidable under Daniel Passarella, boasting Gabriel Batistuta, Ariel Ortega and Juan Sebastian Veron, with Roberto Ayala marshalling the defence.

On July 4 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, a classic unfolded.

Argentina struck first through Claudio Lopez in the 12th minute, only for Patrick Kluivert to equalise five minutes later from a free-kick delivered by Frank de Boer.

What followed was a tense tactical duel. Both teams battled fiercely, reduced to 10 men after red cards for Arthur Numan and Ortega, the latter dismissed for headbutting goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

At 1-1 and with extra time looming, Bergkamp seized the moment.

In the 89th minute, Frank de Boer launched a 60-yard pass from deep inside his own half. The ball soared through the Marseille night toward Bergkamp, who was sprinting into the right side of Argentina’s box, closely pursued by Ayala.

Then came 2.7 seconds that transcended football.

The first touch -- impossibly delicate -- brought the high, fast-moving ball under control as if it had fallen onto velvet. The second -- a subtle shift with the inside of his foot -- left Ayala sliding helplessly past. And the third -- struck with the outside of his boot -- curved beyond goalkeeper Carlos Roa into the far corner.

Goal. 2-1.

The stadium erupted. Dutch fans were in ecstasy; Argentine players collapsed in disbelief. A match destined for extra time had been decided in a flash of genius.

Bergkamp, almost in disbelief himself, ran to the corner flag before dropping to the ground, covering his face -- an image that endures as one of football’s most iconic.

Dutch commentator Jack van Gelder captured the moment forever, his voice breaking as he repeated: “Dennis Bergkamp! Dennis Bergkamp! Dennis Bergkamp!” -- each call echoing one of those three immortal touches.

In that fleeting moment, Bergkamp did more than score a goal. He created a masterpiece -- one that continues to define footballing perfection.