Stephanie Roche became the first ever female soccer player to be nominated for the Puskas award, and the first Irish player of any gender…which isn’t as surprising.
But the goal itself is worthy of winning any game and any competition. In terms of technical ability alone it’s miles better than the other two shortlisted nominees, Van Persie’s “Superman” header against Spain and Rodriguez’ volley against Uruguay.
Both great goals. But the skill to control the ball and then take out your marker with one movement (lobbing it over their head, no less), then crash a volley into the corner of the net with your other foot is something that neither of the other nominees get anywhere near.
It might not have the prestige of being scored at a World Cup in front of 60,000 people, but it’s the technical ability the goals inclusion are based upon. In that respect there can be no argument whatsoever.
Stephanie has already landed a professional contract with French club ASPTT Albi on the back of the video going viral.
Stick to Blatter and vote everyone at http://www.fifa.com/ballon-dor/puskas-award/video=2463789/index.html
It’s free, quick and Irish.