[mackem_ftm]

What do you think is the greatest goal ever scored (that you've seen)? Here are a few contenders from my point of view...

International: Maradona vs England '86
Carlos Alberto vs Italy '70
Owen vs Argentina '98
Bergkamp vs Argentina '98

Club: Beckham (from the halfway line) vs Wimbledon '95
Quinn vs Newcastle '99
A note on the last one. Most other people wouldn't think of this as an all time great, but it's my favourite goal ever. One, it was against the Mags. Two, it gave us the lead. Three, it was so brilliant I'll have to describe it for you.
Michael Gray (Sunderland left back) gets the ball from the keeper at the left edge of his own area. He lays it inside to Alex Rae, and starts on a run upfield. Rae holds the ball for a second or so, before striking a low ball upfield to Julio Arca. In a brilliant piece of skill, Arca steps over the ball, leaving it to run upfield into the path of Gray who has continued his run. Gray strikes a superb first-time cross onto the head of Niall Quinn (12 yards out), who loops a bullet header into the top corner.
I'll leave you to guess my reaction to this!
(Also, if you are describing a goal others may not have seen, please describe it as I have done.)

[Daksims]

How would you loop a bullet header? I must need to see it.

[mackem_ftm]

'loop' is a term for an arc on a shot, pass or header. It doesn't actually loop.

[mackem_ftm]

if you'd like to see a video of the goal, you can download it at www.stand-up.fsnet.co.uk. Just the header part anyway!

[DAKCrew]

The best goal I'd ever seen was back in 92 or 93 (I think) when I just started to follow international soccer. It was Marseille vs PSG, I think in Marseille. Basielle Boelle (sp?) rec'd a cross right outside the 18 some how his back was to the goal and he did a diving header with his body wraped around the defender in front of him. It was the most powerfull header I'd ever seen, right in the upper corner. After he scored the goal he was running towards their bench and started crying. Now thats passion for the game.

[Boro_lad]

Paulo Di Canio (for WH)....that volley off sinclairs cross ball....i think it was 98/99 season, it is easily the best goal for pure style. it was against wimboldon (i suggest you download it)

Shawn Barlett last season, the volley from the ball over his head..... (or was it the season before?)

Juninho's header against chelsea....just for the fact that the little fella headed a goal......(how!!!???)

[Boro_lad]

Originally posted by DAKCrew
The best goal I'd ever seen was back in 92 or 93 (I think) when I just started to follow international soccer. It was Marseille vs PSG, I think in Marseille. Basielle Boelle (sp?) rec'd a cross right outside the 18 some how his back was to the goal and he did a diving header with his body wraped around the defender in front of him. It was the most powerfull header I'd ever seen, right in the upper corner. After he scored the goal he was running towards their bench and started crying. Now thats passion for the game.

[fox point fury]

Van Basten's volley v USSR in the 88 Euro finals. A long ball is lofted from midfield, and he catches up to it on the far right side of the box near the touchline. It appears as though he has no options other than to settle it and cross, but instead he strikes it first-time from an impossible angle past the keeper. The ball looked like it was still rising and picking up speed when it went in under the bar.

[Nermalthecat]

we have had these threads before and i will continue to vote for the same goal:

George Best in the NASL when he beats like 6 defenders off the dribble inside the 18 and scores.

The commentator said something like "He'll get the goal and he'll also get three assists."

[Don Homer]

Divot (Liverpool) v Blackburn Rovers (1997)

Daisy-cutter from Stan Collymore was trundling harmlessly towards Tim Flowers in the Rovers' goal, until this divot nipped in from nowhere to chip it over the keeper. Class!

The divot later went to Real Madrid for a world record fee.