Tuesday, December 02, 2014

James, Van Persie and Roche shortlisted for Goal of the Year

The Real Madrid man was included as the shortlist for Goal of the Year was whittled down to three

James Rodriguez's stunning volley for Colombia against Uruguay at the World Cup is among the three goals shortlisted for the 2014 Fifa Puskas Award.

The other two efforts which could win the trophy on January 12 are Robin van Persie's looping header for Netherlands against Spain, also at the World Cup, and Republic of Ireland women's forward Stephanie Roche's wonderful strike for Peamount United versus Wexford Youths.

Rodriguez lit up the Maracana with his effort which propelled his country into the quarter-finals of the World Cup. After taking the ball on his chest he swivelled on the edge of the area and lashed the ball home via the underside of the bar.

That strike bore a close similarity to Roche's. The 25-year-old showed great technique to control the ball on her right foot, flick it over her shoulder, and her marker, before cracking a left-footed volley past the helpless goalkeeper.

Van Persie's goal came in Oranje's stunning 5-1 demolition of then world champions Spain.

The Manchester United star ran on to Daley Blind's long pass from the left touchline before diving full length to place his header over Iker Casillas.

The award - voted for by users of Fifa.com and francefootball.fr - will be handed out as part of the Fifa Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich.

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