Five overhead kicks that should rival Ibrahimovic in Puskas shortlist

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s overhead kick against England looks nailed on to win the Puskas Award at 1/2, but there are certainly grounds to argue that not only have better goals been scored in the past year, but better overhead kicks too.

The Swede’s goal was the epitome of technique, especially given the way he anticipated the on-rushing Joe Hart’s touch and then took his volley at an extreme height.

However, it cannot just be ignored that this wondergoal was scored into an empty net and here are five alternatives to Ibrahimovic’s worldie that arguably deserve some additional recognition.

Eial Strahman (UDG) v Celaya

What is more satisfying than scoring an overhead kick? Doing it in injury time to help your team to a 1-0 victory.

Argentine Strahman has since left the Mexican second tier to join Cordoba in the Spanish equivalent, but his one season in the Ascenso MX can be remembered for this moment of magic.

Sebastin Driussi (Argentina U17) v Uruguay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIjujNs3_Jg

Here is another player with River Plate roots, with Driussi recently scoring two goals to help Argentina finish fourth in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Prior to this, Driussi started to put his name on the map with this special effort in an all-South American clash with Uruguay.

Bryan Prunty (Dumbarton) v Livingston

Scottish lower-league football could do with a spot of promotion and this sparkling effort helped Dumbarton to a 3-2 win over Livingston, which in turn aided the club in their efforts to avoid second-tier relegation.

The fact that this goal actually beats the keeper, rather than loops over him, does give it stand-out credentials.

Hugo Bargas (Blooming) v Oriente Petrolero

Bargas may be well known to Dutch football followers from stints at De Graafschap and Zwolle, but this goal was scored in Bolivia.

Interestingly, he has since moved to the opposition this goal was scored against, where he is frustrating them further by still failing to find the scoresheet.

Philippe Mexes (AC Milan) v Anderlecht

Any goal scored in the Champions League is likely to be memorable, but a central defender netting something of this calibre goes one step further.

This goal not only deserved to make the Puskas shortlist, but should have seriously rivalled Ibrahimovic for the prize.

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