By Chrysanthus Ikeh
FIFA has announced a 10-player shortlist for the 2014 Puskas Award, commonly known as goal of the year.
The list includes the 2013 winner, Zlatan Ibrahimovic who scored an ingenious back heel flick against Bastia in the French League, followed by Robin van Persie’s diving header in the match the Netherlands played against Spain at the 2014 World Cup.
Next on the list is Chelsea striker, Diego Costa, who scored a stunning overhead kick for his former club, Atletico Madrid against Getafe last season, followed by former Everton player, Tim Cahill who scored an unstoppable volley with his left foot for Australia against Holland at the 2014 World Cup.
Others listed include Real Madrid forward, James Rodriguez for the venomous, dipping volley which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar for Colombia against Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup, followed by Brazilian footballer, Camilo Sanvezzo’s acrobatic scissors-kick from 10-yards out which flew into the bottom corner of the net for Vancouver Whitecaps against Portland Timbers in the MLS league.
Fulham striker Pajtim Kasami, is also on the shortlist after scoring a devious, dipping volley from an audacious angle against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, followed by Mexican footballer, Marco Fabian‘s 20-yard position goal for Cruz Azul against Puebla in the Mexican League.
Japanese player, Hisato Sato‘s spin volley for Sanfreece Hiroshima against Kawasaki Frontale in the Japanese League is also in contention while female footballer, Steph Roche‘s left-footed volley for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in the Irish League is also listed.
Watch their goals below:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Robin van Persie
Diego Costa
Tim Cahill
James Rodriguez
Pajtim Kasami
Marco Fabian
Camilo Sanvezzo,
Hisato Sato
Steph Roche
