Angel Di Maria proves incredible big game credentials with World Cup final goal after Copa America winner and Real Madrid display in Champions League final

Angel Di Maria once again proved his incredible big-game capabilities with another final goal, this time in the World Cup.

Di Maria swept home in commanding fashion from an Alexis Mac Allister pass, to make it 2-0 to Argentina against France.

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What makes the goal all the more impressive is he wasn’t even expected to start, having been dropped after Argentina’s less-than-impressive group stage campaign.

The Juventus attacker had only played eight minutes in the knock-outs after his country narrowly squeaked through their group, but Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni knew what he was doing by bringing him back.

It was only last year that the enigmatic winger scored the previous biggest goal of his career, the match-winner at the Maracana to beat Brazil in the Copa America final.

Soon after that he also scored in the Finalissima against Italy at Wembley, while his ‘clutch’ capabilities are just as strong at club level.

Di Maria isn’t remembered at all fondly for his tragic one-year spell at Manchester United, but he earned those big wages with one of the biggest performances in Real Madrid’s history in 2014.

Setting up Gareth Bale’s late equaliser against Atletico Madrid with a stunning mazy run, Di Maria was crucial as Madrid finally ended their baron run in the Champions League.

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He was later given the Man of the Match award as he set Madrid on their way to another long-awaited golden period in Europe.

Di Maria also scored in the 2014 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, as well as the 2012 Spanish Super Cup final.

Adding all that to 18 trophies in just seven seasons as Paris Saint-Germain, it’s fair to say Di Maria might end up retiring with the reputation of one of football’s all-time great big game players.