Hitting a ball from distance requires skill and accuracy but scoring from distance is even harder. With more time to react than normal, the goalkeeper has time to adjust his positioning and make the save quite comfortably. But if the keeper is out of position and finds himself scrambling back to goal, there is an increased chance that the strike will be successful. There have been many examples through the year of players hitting from long-range but few have managed to score from inside their own half.
(Image from Tony O’Brien/Action Images)
David Beckham famously did for Manchester United against Wimbledon in his first full season, beating Neil Sullivan from 50 yards. Nayim got the better of David Seaman by scoring a last-minute goal for Real Zaragoza in the 1995 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Arsenal, with a 40-yard lob in the final minute of extra time. Not quite the half way line but impressive all the same. And finally Xavi Alsono scored for Liverpool twice from the half way line in 2006 – firstly against Luton in the cup for 70 yards, after the keeper had come up the pitch for a late corner and then again in a Premiership game against Newcastle only two months later. Both remarkable goals in their own right that demonstrate the talent of the player.
(Image from Getty)
Joining this list is SuperSport United defender Mor Diouf who in the last minutes of the game against Pretoria rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, he lobbed the goalkeeper from nearly 70 yards to grab all three points for his club. The Senegalese, who joined SuperSport from South African club Maritzburg United in 2012, turned defence into attack when he picked the ball up on the edge of his own area with a firm tackle. With space ahead of him, he strolled forward but with a lack of runners or options to pass to, Diouf looked towards goal. He saw the Mamelodi’s goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands outside of his own box, backpedaling to get into his goal. With a firm strike the ball soared up and over Sandilands head and into the back of the net. With his teammates mobbing him to celebrate Diouf decided not to go crazy with excitement over his goal but instead crossed his arms as if to say that he meant that.
Regardless if he did or not, it was an incredible strike and one that will last in the memory of the SuperSport fans for some time to come. Its only his second goal for the club as they attempt to climb the league. But Diouf will unlikely ever score a better goal than that strike against Mamelodi. So stand up Diouf, take a bow and enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame.
To see the goal, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35AvOwQfHqw
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