What Great Soccer Goals Have in Common

There is little in the sporting world as exciting as a soccer goal. While the scoring in soccer does not happen as often as other sports, like football, basketball, or softball, the skill involved is at least equal to, if not greater than, those other sports where you need additional equipment like shoulder pads or softball gloves. Most of the ninety minutes of a soccer game is like a chess match players maneuvering themselves into position to create favorable match ups in order to find the best shot possible. When the players are in just the right spot and the ball finds its way into the net, you realize that it has been worth the wait. While every goal is not highlight worthy, there are some goals that are just flat out better than others.

There are a few things that the best soccer goals ever have in common. One is ball control, which was demonstrated by Brazil’s Roberto Carlos in 1997. From forty feet out, he launched a missile that appeared wide, until the ball curved just inside the poll to score a goal. Another feature is athleticism, which can be demonstrated perfectly by the bicycle kick. Rivaldo of Barcelona executed a perfect bicycle kick, bouncing a pass off of his chest before going airborne, parallel to the ground, and kicking his foot over his head to send a bullet past the goal keeper. The third trait that great soccer goals share is power. Many a player can score from close range, but to be able to boot the ball accurately from long range is difficult.

The best soccer goals in the world are those that show what a difficult game soccer is. While great passing and dribbling make for fine fundamental soccer, the ability to be accurate with the ball, to demonstrate pure athletic talent, and to have the power to strike from any distance is the recipe for a great soccer goal.