Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Northern Irish Wonder Goal Sinks Lowly Faroe Islands

By Marcel Abboud



Here's a cracking effort that many would have missed...



In the recent round of 2014 FIFA World Cup UEFA qualifications Northern Ireland defeated Faroe Islands 4 - 0, with thanks to a spectacular solo effort from Celtic FC midfielder Paddy McCourt.



Who could argue with a stunning effort like that?







The Faroe Island remain bottom of their group following their loss to the Northern Irish and have no chance of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Bravest Penalty Kick Ever: Theyab Awana's Back Heel Penalty

By Marcel Abboud

If penalty kicks could get crazy, then look no further than this.

In a recent international friendly, United Arab Emirates winger Theyab Awana scored an outrageous back-heel penalty against Lebanon in their 6 - 2 win over the Middle Eastern side.


Not only did the 21 year old Baniyas SC winger managed to wrong foot the goalkeeper, he also incured the wrath of many of the Lebanese players and even his very own manager,
Srecko Katanec. Theyab was immediately substituted after only being on the field for a remarkable three minutes for a "lack of respect" towards the Lebanese opposition.

Theyab faces disciplinary action from the UAE football federation, either facing suspension or a fine for his actions.

Was it really the bravest penalty kick ever taken, or perhaps the stupidest? Watch the remarkable and yet comical footage of Theyab's goal here:


Saturday, July 9, 2011

Bayern Munich push aside Qatar 4 - 2 in Friendly in Italy

By Marcel Abboud

German football heavyweights Bayern Munich have defeated the Qatar national football team 4 - 2 in a friendly in the
Italian province of Trentino.

The Bavarian giants who had completed an absolute 15 - 0 destruction of a
Trentino Select XI during their time in the province, took a three goal lead quickly into the match thanks to Daniel van Buyten, Thomas Muller and fresh recruit Nils Petersen.


The Qataris who are preparing for their two legged tie against Vietnam, made their mark on the scoresheet after naturalised Qatari/Uruguayan Sebastian Quintana added his name, before Ivica Olic and Muhammed Razak finalized the score in the closing stages in front of a 4,000 strong crowd.

Watch highlights here:

Mexico stunned as Peru are on the Verge of Copa America Quarterfinals

By Marcel Abboud

South American darkhorses Peru are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter finals of the 2011 Copa America after defeating Mexico 1 - 0 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.

In a very open and attacking match, both sides had numerous chances to stamp their authority in the game. Mexico are yet to collect a point in the group stages before this match and only a win would suffice for El Tri.


Coming out all cylinders firing, the Mexicans had an abundance of chances to kill of Peru but were made to go wanting in the second half as the Peruvians launched an assault on Mexican goalkeeper and captain Luis Michel's goal. The Mexicans can thank the woodwork as their added defense as many of the Peruvian attacks ended up hitting the post and the crossbar.

But for all of Mexico's attacking prowess, Peru struck the killer blow in the 83th minute as Humburger SV striker
José Paolo Guerrero put the ball into Michel's goal after a wonderful piece of creative display for the Peruvians.


Mexico sit rooted to the bottom of Group C with no points while Peru now sit second in the group equal with Chile on four points, while Urugauy still have a chance to progress but only if they defeat Mexico. Watch extended highlights here:

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Darlington Nagbe's wonder goal for Portland Timbers

By Marcel Abboud

There must be something in the water that all the Major League Soccer (MLS) drink because as of late spectacular goals have been flying in left, right and center...


This time Portland Timbers' Darlington Nagbe steps up to the plate with an absolutely wonderful strike against Sporting Kansas City. The 20 year old Liberian struck the ball after two perfectly timed touches on the volley before hammering it into the goal to score for the Timbers.

Is it a contender for goal of the season? You better believe it is...

Watch the audacity of the strike and judge for yourself

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Best Goals of the Champions League 2010/2011 - #1 Messi vs Madrid

As the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League comes to a close we will reveal the top five goals as decided by FOX Soccer.



Coming in at number one is Messi's solo effort against Madrid. Check it out below!

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video/?vid=8d75a006-7a5e-45b4-abe9-9ef764362791&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral_player" target="_new" title="Goal #1: Lionel Messi - Barcelona">Video: Goal #1: Lionel Messi - Barcelona</a>

Best Goals of the Champions League 2010/2011 - #2 Chadli vs Tottenham

As the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League comes to a close we will reveal the top five goals as decided by FOX Soccer.



Coming in at number two is Nacer Chadli's effort against Tottenham. Check it out below!



<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video/?vid=2b76793f-5cbc-41f1-88df-463b8b57d05d&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral_player" target="_new" title="Goal #2: Nacer Chadli - Twente">Video: Goal #2: Nacer Chadli - Twente</a>

The winning goal will be released shortly

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Best Goals of the Champions League 2010/2011 - #3 Matheus vs Roma

As the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League comes to a close we will reveal the top five goals as decided by FOX Soccer.



Coming in at number three is Matheus' solo effort against Roma in the froup stage. Check it out below!




<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video/?vid=0e8cf4a8-d9ae-4dce-a82c-1060b5d0d637&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral_player" target="_new" title="Goal #3: Matheus - Roma">Video: Goal #3: Matheus - Roma</a>


Dont forget you can watch live action of the Final between United and Barcelona on FOX Soccer - follow the link for more info!

We will reaveal the final three goals before kickoff tomorrow!

Best Goals of the Champions League 2010/2011 - #4 Di Maria vs Tottenham



As the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League comes to a close we will reveal the top five goals as decided by FOX Soccer.



Coming in at number four is Angel Di Maria's screamer against Tottenham in the quarter final. Check it out below!





 
 
 
 
 
Dont forget you can watch live action of the Final between United and Barcelona on FOX Soccer - follow the link for more info!

We will reaveal the final three goals before kickoff tomorrow! <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video/?vid=c48cac53-14de-417b-a699-149f00ccddd2&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral_player" target="_new" title="Goal #4: Di Maria - Real Madrid">Video: Goal #4: Di Maria - Real Madrid</a>

Friday, May 27, 2011

Best Goals of the Champions League 2010/2011 - #5 Stankovic vs Schalke

As the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League comes to a close we will reveal the top five goals as decided by FOX Soccer.



Coming in at number five is Dejan Stankovic's screamer against Schalke in the quarter final. Check it out below!



 
 

D<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video/?vid=3874a763-0753-44b8-93e0-95755df38a8b&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral_player" target="_new" title="Goal #5: Dejan Stanković - Inter Milan">Video: Goal #5: Dejan Stanković - Inter Milan</a>


Dont forget you can watch live action of the Final between United and Barcelona on FOX Soccer - follow the link for more info!

We will reaveal the final four goals before kickoff tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

One Foot into the UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United FC and FC Barcelona Secure First Leg Wins

Perhaps two of the world's most dominant teams have each secured one foot into the UEFA Champions League final, with Manchester United and FC Barcelona each securing 2 - 0 wins over FC Schalke 04 and Real Madrid respectively.

The first of the ties saw the Red Devils travel to Gelsenkirchen in Germany to face this season's Champions League surprise packet Schalke. In a very entertaining first half which saw Manchester United squander a number of chances to take the lead, the heroics of Schalke keeper and suppossed United target Manuel Neuer
was the main talking point as the 23 year old made sure nothing went past his goal.


In the 66th minute the deadlock was finally broken as Wayne Rooney slipped through a nice through ball to veteran Ryan Giggs who slotted it home. Moments later, Rooney added himself to the scoresheet thanks to a Hernandez pass making the score 2 - 0.

Watch extended highlights of the Red Devils win here:



The second tie saw the third installment of the El Classico, as Real Madrid entertained heated rivals FC Barcelona. In typical Barcelona fashion, the first half possesion was mostly dominated by the Catalan men, forcing Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas to pull off a few saves from shots thanks to Xavi and David Villa.


An on-field scuffle between the two team soon ensured and eventually Real Madrid were forced to play the game with ten men as Pepe was given his marching orders (and oddly enough, Jose Pinto the Barcelona second keeper was also given a red card...)



With under 15 minutes left, Messi breached the Madrid defense and delivered a sublime hammer-blow slotting his 51st goal of the season, before skimming past three Madrid defenders to add to the scoreline in the 87th minute with a cool Messi style finish. Watch highlights of the game here:


szólj hozzá: RM 0-2 BAR - Highlights

The two wins see Manchester United and FC Barcelona with each one foot in Wembley in May, leaving both FC Schalke 04 and Real Madrid with a hugs mountain to climb.


By Marcel Abboud

Sunday, April 24, 2011

And Then There Was Two: Bolton Wanderers 2 - 1 Arsenal FC

And with a simple goal in the 85th minute Arsenal FC have ensured that they go ANOTHER season without any silverware, losing 2 - 1 to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton were ahead in the 38th minute after on loan striker Daniel Sturridge headed home a goal line clearance and could have been further ahead if it were not for the heroic of Arsenal's Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny saving a Kevin Nolan penalty. Bolton were made to pay soon after as Robin van Persie equalized, making the scores 1 -1 at the Reebok.



But as has been for Arsenal's season, the Gunners suffered a cruel hammer blow as Israeli international Tamir Cohen slotted in the winning goal from a Bolton corner in the 85th minute. Cohen then received a yellow card for taking off his jersey revealing a picture of his late father.

This game surely symbolizes the end of Arsenal's title charge and any hope of silverware for a seventh season in a row, comdemning the Gunners to look on from the sidelines as Chelsea FC try and close the six point gap on leaders Manchester United with five games remaining.


It has truly become a two horse race, but the question is: can the red horse or the blue horse cross the line?

Watch highlights of the game here


Watch the goal that ended any hope of an Arsenal FC title charge here


By Marcel Abboud

Olympique de Marseille 1 - 0 Montpellier HSC (Coupe de la Ligue Final)

French side Olympique de Marseille became the first side in French footballing history to successfully retain the Coupe de la Ligue after beating Montepillier 1 - 0 at the Stade de France.


In a mostly scrappy and tight affair, chances were few and far between for both sides. It wasn't until ten minutes from time that Nigerian international defender Taye Taiwo managed to strike a rare right footed shot, following a very spotty and poor clearance following a free kick from the Montepiller defense.

Taiwo's strike has written I'OM into the French footballing history books, making them the first side to retain the Coupe de la Ligue successfully after beating Bordeaux 3–1 in last season's edition.


Watch Taiwo of I'OM secure historic win here




By Marcel Abboud

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Barclay Premier League Title Race is Blown Open: Chelsea FC 3 - 1 Birmingham City

Manchester United now have to sleep with one eye open, despite already having one hand on the EPL title.

Chelsea FC have now moved into second position on goal difference thanks to a 3 - 1 win over Birmingham. Florent Malouda got the scoring underway for the Blues in the third minute of play after firing home a Paulo Ferreira cross. Saloman Kalou added Chelsea's second midway in the second half before Malouda killed off any chance of a Birmingham revival with his second for the game and Chelsea's third.



Birmingham were given a consolation goal with David Luiz was judged to have foaled Matt Derbyshire in the box. Sebastien Larsson duly stepped up and slotted home the resulting penalty, ending the game 3 - 1 in favour of the home side.

Watch extended highlights of the game here:



By Marcel Abboud

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Video - Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic's amazing goal for Inter Milan against FC Schalke 04

Despite the fact that the defending champions of Europe came to a crushing 5 - 2 defeat at home to German side FC Schalke 04, many will not forget the amazing volley that Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic scored for Inter Milan.


After FC Schalke 04 keeper Manuel Neuer rushed out to head clear the ball, Stankovic from halfway pulled out an amazing volley that deceived everyone and landed squarely in the back of the FC Schalke 04 net.

This is to say it happened less than a minute into the opening half of the game. FC Schalke 04 went on to win 2 - 5 thanks to a goal from Raul, an own goal by Andrea Ranocchia and a brace from Brazilian ace Edu.

Watch the incredible goal from the Serbian midfielder


Inter Milan need a miracle to progress to the quarter finals of Europe's most prestigious league.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Memorable Games: Iraq 1 - 0 Saudi Arabia (2007 AFC Asain Cup Final)


It was the team that nobody expected. With a country still engaged in the aftermath of a brutal and devastating war/invasion, Iraq were seen as easy beats in the 2007 edition of the AFC Asian Cup.

How wrong many people were.

Here was a team with many of its players playing in the Iraqi domestic league, with a few sprinkles of players from leagues like Lebanon, Libya and Cyprus who under the guidance of journeyman Brazilian/Portuguese coach Jorvan Vieira, managed to make it all the way to the final of the AFC Asian Cup.

Their opponents were the very much fancied but underachieving regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia. This match isn't memorable for the lack of intensity of the game, far from it. This game is memorable because of the symbolic nature that the Iraqi triumph held in the hearts and minds of the footballing public, nay the world.

In a largely uneventful game, the Iraqi captain Younis Mohammed (pictured) unmarked rose up in 70th minute to power home a corner into the back of the net, giving the captain of this troubled nation a 1 - 0 lead over the Gulf powerhouse.

The emphatic celebration by Younis in front of a packed 60,000 streflected the passion felt by many Iraqis and felt like he was carrying the weight of this gulf nation's hopes, beliefs and expectations on his shoulders. With the ball thundering into the back of the net, it was a symbol of joy and the lifting of the trophy was the ultimate triumph for both football and the people of Iraq.

Football has the power to transcend war and bind people together, to warm the hearts of many and extinguish the notions of hate and suffering, all from the kick of all ball.

Watch the winning goal and the emphatic celebrations here:



By Marcel Abboud

Monday, March 28, 2011

Memorable Games: Germany 3 - 2 Urguay (Third Place Playoff, 2010 FIFA World Cup)

In what was perhaps the most enthralling match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a very attacking Germany managed to defeat a gallant and brave Uruguay side 3 goals to 2.

Managing to come back from a 2 - 1 deficit, the Germans after going ahead from a Thomas Muller goal in the first half managed to level the game in the 55th minute thanks to a Marcell Jensen header, before Sami Khedira won the game late in the second half, popping up to slot home the winner.



Perhaps the best two teams in the tournament didn't make the final, but they surely went out with a bang. Football was the winner in this game.

Watch all the goals here:

                     

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Memorable Games: Parramatta Power 0 - 1 Perth Glory (2004 NSL Grand Final)

With the final kick ever of the old National Soccer League (NSL) in Australia in 2004, Nick Mrjda after some fantastic build up Australian football legend Damian Mori, sunk the hearts of Parramatta Power and their fans, winning the last ever NSL grand final in 2004. Being locked 0 - 0 in normal time, the golden goal in extra time was in effect and a rampant Perth Glory managed to take all the day's honors and leave Parramatta Stadium as champions of Australia.


Mrjda's strike symbolized the end of "old soccer" in Australia, a league (NSL) dominated by clubs with ethnic ties and political overtures and made way for a year-long recess in Australian football. The 2005/06 season saw the launch of a new, eight team national based competition known as the A-League, which has seen a dramatic rise in professionalism and the administration of the game in Australia. Parramatta Power have since ceased to exist and Perth Glory, though still plying their trade in the A-League, are just a shadow of what they used to be in the days of the NSL.

Many of the clubs that dominated the NSL have resided into the top tier of the respective states and are still very much a cultural hub of the people that once supported them week in and week out behind their stadium's terraces. The Australian footballing public owes much thanks to the Frank Lowy led administration at the FFA, but every Australian footballing fan should never, ever, forget the past and acknowledge that these clubs helped build many of our past and present (and even future) Socceroos. Never forget history.

Nick Mrjda has just recently announced his retirement from professional football at the conclusion of the 2010/11 A-League season and has returned home to Perth.

To read more about the NSL and it's demise, visit the ever reliable Wikipedia here

Watch the curtain close on the NSL and the dawn of a new era in Australian football:



By Marcel Abboud

Friday, March 25, 2011

Memorable Games: High Quality - Tenerife vs Real Madrid (Copa del Rey 97/98)

Now, this game was not memorable for anything else but the fact that Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos managed to score what is dubbed "The Impossible Goal," scoring from an angle of LESS than one degree...

Not much words can describe what was witnessed on that day when Real Madrid beat Tenerife, it's just amazing to watch, almost like poetry in motion.

Here is the highlight of the amazing goal scored by the Real Madrid left-tback

                        


Here is a fantastic scientific breakdown of how it was executed.

                        

By Marcel Abboud

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Memorable Games: Adelaide United FC 8 - 1 North Queensland Fury FC (A-League, 2010/11)

A red hot Adelaide United needed a win over North Queensland to reclaim second spot on the ladder and to try to secure a top two birth for the A-League finals series.

And win they did.


An emphatic 8 - 1 win by the Reds saw the Fury crushed and sink to an even lower low as their future in next season's participation was still up in the air (at the time).


The rampaging Reds broke three records in the one game:

1) Most goals scored in one game in the A-League
2) Biggest win margin in the A-League
3) First team for two players in the one team to score a hat-trick

Adelaide United attack pair Sergio van Dijk and Marcos Flores both grabbed hat-tricks, with Iain Ramsay and Travis Dodd getting in on the action as well, all the while condemning the Fury were to finishing bottom of the table.

North Queensland Fury did manage to pull one back thanks to a Panni Nikkas freekick in the second half, but the damage had already been done.


Watch all the goals from this exciting and pulsating victory by the Reds.





RIP North Queensland Fury FC (2009/10 - 2010/11)

By Marcel Abboud