By Paul WAHS
Ridiculous. Insane. Unbelievable Jeff.
Wayne Rooney showed last Saturday exactly how you recapture form that you lost temporarily. Rooney's goal against Man City not only gave United the biggest push they could have asked for in the game, but also in the title race. But I'm not here to talk too much about the title race, I'm here to address a wider problem that has emerged since - the debate as to whether Rooney's goal was in fact the best ever. I'm not even joking.
I was on Facebook on Saturday evening and saw on a friend's status that someone truly believed this was the greatest goal ever scored
Now, don't get me wrong, this really was a very special goal. the build up was lovely and the finish immaculate - but I pos today 5 goals that I feel are better that Rooney's finish.
Now, before I begin it must be underlined how the interpretation of a great goal is down to a few factors - what the game itself was like, how it changed the game (if at all) and I suppose more importantly, what it meant. For me, Massimo Maccerone's diving header vs Steaua Bucharest in the UEFA Cup semi final of 2006 - this goal sent us to our first ever European final, it emulated what he had done in the previous round in a game that was equally as tight and nerve-racking as the quarter final. I could go on about this goal all night... Here it is for the uninformed
"Driving a stake into the heart of Dracula's boys" - Ali Brownlee, 2006.
Right, so my top 5, in ascending order...
5. Michael Owen - England vs Argentina, Round of 16, 1998
I can't actually remember ever being more excited by a goal in all my life. Honestly I really cannot. England looked the closest I've ever seen in my lifetime to posing a serious challenge to win the World Cup, with a livewire 18 year old Michael Owen torturing defenders. What I love about this goal is not just how the move starts, the deep tackle by Ince, direct to Beckham who spins the ball to Owen, with a phenomenal first touch and finish - it's what it did for England. The game itself was not quite what we wanted, but in truth, the crowd knew just exactly what we could do if we had the opportunity, it swung the game back into England's favour and above all, gave the crowd something to really smile about on the trip home the following day.
4. Gabriel Batistuta, Manchester United vs Fiorentina, UEFA Champions League group B, 2000
I think the only time I've ever really wanted Man Utd to win was in the 1999 Champions League final, purely because they were playing Bayern Munich. So, United were champions of Europe, they came into this game with (in my personal opinion) the usual United attitude ('just turn up and win lads'). I was also a really big follower of Italian football then, not so much now - it's something I keep meaning to pursue.
Anyway, the goal. Yes - Gabriel Batistuta, or 'Batigol' as he was nicknamed, was a target for Ferguson and in little under 15 minutes of this game, he showed why. A goal of actual brilliance, two touches and BOOM! Back of the net Batigol. This goal did little to stop United winning 3-1 but I think it was indicative of Batistuta, a play with bags of talent and an eye for the spectacular - plus I remember standing up in my living room and applauding.
3. Thierry Henry, Arsenal vs Manchester United, Barclays Premier League, 2000
Ok, I admit it. I like goals against Man Utd. But this is just sublime, an actual World-class finish. Arsenal were hosting the runaway leaders United at Highbury when Henry pulled this bullet straight out of the top drawer. No messing, flick, turn and shoot. United keeper Fabian Barthez had no chance at all, not a single chance. I doubt any keeper in the world would save this shot? In this season United won the league by 13 points and Arsenal lost in the UEFA Cup final to Galatasary on penalties, but this goal is still shown in the 'greatest Premier League goals' showreels around the World, and so it should be.
2. Marco van Basten, Holland vs Russia, European Championship Final, 1988
The difference between my no.1 and 2 is so close. I have been thinking about it most of the day and have watched both goals many, many times today. The winner just shades it but I'll explain that one in more depth soon.
Ok, Euro 88 final, I'm nearly 6 years old and this is still one thing I remember from early life - the Moment Marco van Basten opened my love affair with football. Just what was he thinking attempting to hit that? How did it actually go in? Did he mean it? Of course he did!
For me, the dictionary definition of technique (or 'tekkers' as kids say nowadays) the ball floated in from Muhren towards van Basten was excellent - van Basten looks up, and plants it between the goalkeeper and the back post, but just making it look so, so easy. It's the kind of goal that you would try a million times and only ever get right once. The magnitude of this goal put real distance between the teams in the final, with Ruud Gullit scoring in the first half, this was the second of a 2-0 win. Holland won their first and only major honour and a legend was born. Marco van Basten, I have tried to score this goal so many times - and I'll never get close!
So drumroll please ........
1. Esteban Cambiasso (and friends), Argentina vs Serbia and Montenegro, FIFA World Cup Group C, 2006
This goal for me is the best goal scored ever. I know this is controversial but I watched this game and remember thinking to myself afterwards "I don't ever think I'll see closer to perfection on a football pitch". The opposition, Serbia and Montenegro were comprehensively beaten 6-0 but it was this goal that maybe crushed any hope they had.
The score was 1-0, around the half an hour mark. Argentina had controlled the pace of the game, but not really shown any major signs of domination. When the ball started moving from side to side, the rhythmic style the players moved in and the subsequent backheel-cum-drive move from Crespo and Cambiasso that finished the move developed, it was like a masterclass in how to score. As soon as Aimar flicked it through, you knew that it could end in disaster for Serbia....
I could watch this goal again and again, and if you are sat here thinking "it's alright" watch it again. Then watch it again. Maybe another couple of times and try and comprehend that this was done at the top table of Football, the FIFA World Cup. Just watch how the movement of the players completely bamboozles the opposition, watch Cambiasso's movement into the box. Watch how he's under a high amount of pressure yet still gives the goalkeeper no chance.
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We all have our own opinions, I have omitted some brilliant goals - Gascoigne at Euro 96 against Scotland, Maradona vs England in Mexico 86, Beckham vs Greece, blah blah blah......
But the fact remains Rooney's goal, albeit a wonderful strike, is now part of this debate. It's all relative readers, I'd love to know your favourite goals, so why not post a reply with a link?
Paul
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