The very thing that makes the beautiful game beautiful is something that’s tough to quantify – which is why FIFA leave it in the hands of the fans to vote for the winner of the annual Puskás Award for Goal of the Year 2010.
Last year, the Puskás Award was claimed by Cristiano Ronaldo for his goal in the original Superfly against FC Porto in the Away leg of Manchester United’s Champions League clash with the Portuguese titans.
Today, FIFA announced the 10 contenders hoping to take the crown from the Real Madrid Frontman:
Hamit Altintop – Turkey
Matty Burrows – Northern Ireland
Linus Hallenius – Sweden
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Samir Nasri – France
Neymar – Brazil
Arjen Robben – Netherlands
Siphiwe Tshabalala – South Africa
Giovanni van Bronckhorst – Netherlands
Kumi Yokoyama – Japan
All of the goals nominated are available for your viewing delectation over on the FIFA Website, but we’ve picked out 3 our of favourites:
1. Lionel Messi vs Valencia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUXIfoSLHfA
Messi dances his way between 3 of Valencia’s back 4 before hammering it home near post. The great thing about this goal, is that watching it close-up the ball doesn’t move as much as you think it does, it’s actually Messi using his body and feet to fake and dummy his way into the 6-yard box – before finishing the move with an unorthodox near-post finish.
2. Matty Burrows vs Portadown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mdfmSeXfe0
We’re betting this lad is thrilled to be on the same list as the likes of Messi & Van Bronckhurst! A deft little flick off the heels of his football boots secures a 92 minute win – it’s the sort of thing we all dream of, but Matty Burrows is actually in line for some FIFA praise for pulling it off – Take a Bow, Son!
3. Linus Hallenius vs Syrianska
Every player catches the ball completely flush once every few games, and there’s really no better feeling in the world than hammering a ball into the far post. Well, that was what we thought anyway – until we saw Hallenius control the ball on his chest, flick the ball over his marker and then spank the ball into the far top corner. Ludicrous stuff!
To vote for your favourite and see the other nominees for Goal of the Year head on over to FIFA.com and enter – but make sure you come straight back and tell us which one you voted for and why!
Got to be Matty Burrows goal, its never been seen before. Pure genius and creativity!!!
I would have to go For Linus Hallenius, here’s why:
Although Burrows’ goal was never been seen before, you cant really say it was entirely 100% skill but it was sharp instinct.
Messi’s goal i wouldnt even have noticed his genius and the fact that the ball hardly moved if it didnt say underneath the video, then again thats just me.
But Hallenius’ goal you can definatley see the skill, tekkers involved and instinct used. Dont get me wrong, im not putting down any of the goals, the’re all amazing and deserve to be there, i just wanted to give reasons for my choice 🙂
Dempsey vs Juventus
Lol Burrows his goal was a mix of luck and skill.
But i can bet he can’t certanly do this at the premier league!
Matty Burrows for sure!
the linus goal was class and the finish was reminiscent of van bastens goal versus U.S.S.R, the angle of the volley, matty burrows goal was awesome but the linus goal just about beats burrows goal for me. unbelievable tekkers. i must also agree clint dempsey goal v juve was class but no where near linus goal
i’d have to say it should either be Hamit Altintop, Robben (due to that unreal sprint) , the backheel goal or Van Bronckhorst!
Shabalala’s gave me goosegumps tho just due to the scenario it was amazing !
Al fantastics goals but if I’m forced to pick I would go for BOTH Matty’s goal and Linus’ goal. Each showcases a different, complementary and remarkable aspect of skill, vision, technique and opportunism. Each could have missed the goal, each required impeccable technique and sharpness.
It can be argued that Messi also made use of all these but if his goal is considered then Nasri’s goal against porto in the CL is also on the same level and arguably required more bamboozling and trickery. Who knows, if the defenders had been sharper or they hadn’t had in the back of their minds messi’s dribbling prowess they might have been able to stop him. But Linus and Matty’s goals were unstoppable by the sharpest of goalies or defenders, so I think those are the best.
In terms of occasion though it has to be Siphiwe Tshabalala.
its a shame nani messed it up for ronaldo against spain as that was a great goal and would have rightly been a nominee. for those who aint seen the goal , you tube it
Dempsey should be included and also Nasri’s goal overshadows Messi’s too because of the shot angle and he had his back to the goal before his break. Burrows beats Hallenius because he hit a great trick while, Hallenius showing great skill, I’ll give you that just made one defender look stupid, unlike the others who beat multiple guys, or the entire line with an unguarded flick.
figueroa vs stoke
Got to be matty burrows. 92nd min winner! surely the skill n technique wins hands down
I’m happy that FIFA took thier time and looked at Superettan which is the second best league in SWEDEN (I’m a Swed)
Love the goal btw 😛
how about torres goal against sunderland