7 World Cup goals that should be nominated for the Puskas award

The 2014 FIFA World Cup delivered on its promise of a footballing spectacle, with incredibly competitive and hilariously one-sided matches on display. There were quite a few stunning goals scored as well, and it is the opinion of this writer that of the five mentioned below, at least two merit a nomination for the Puskas award – given to the best goal scored during the calendar year.On that note, let’s dive in. 

#1 Lionel Messi vs Bosnia

Type of goal – Shot from edge of the box

Degree of difficulty – 8/10

 

This is the typical Messi goal. The build-up starts in the opposition’s half, Messi does a give-n-go with one of his team-mates, collects the ball outside the box and finds the right moment to unleash a shot into the corner. 

What makes this goal a bit more special is the fact that the Bosnian defense is well aware of what Messi is planning to do. The defenders don’t commit themselves, which is the right thing to do; instead, they try to crowd out Messi and cut out the scoring angle. 

As many as four defenders are trying to put Messi off, and in fact they succeed, to an extent. Notice how Messi has three checks at a shot, decides to wait for a better angle and then when he is confident his shot won’t be blocked off, shoots it past the keeper.

He makes it look easy, but then that’s the sign of a great player.