Orlando Engelaar’s stunning goal made headlines around the world but is the midfielder’s audacious strike the best in the history of the Hyundai A-League?
Orlando Engelaar’s stunning long-range goal from inside his own half has made headlines around the world and attracted hundreds of thousands of hits across video channels around the world. But is the Melbourne Heart midfielder’s audacious strike the best in the history of the Hyundai A-League?
Make your own mind up with five of the best over the last nine seasons as the benchmark.
Tell us how Orlando rates in comparison using the hashtag #rateEngelaar on Twitter and tagging us on @ALeague – let the debate begin.
1.Terrific Terra
Round 23, Season 6 v Perth Glory – January 15, 2011
The Brazilian midfielder scored some important goals in his time with the Melbourne Heart but none better than his brilliant bicycle kick against the Glory. Making his way into the box as Dean Heffernan crossed from the left, Terra found himself unmarked in the box to receive Gerald Sibon-s knock-down. With his back to goal he controlled the ball with his first touch, flicking it up before unleashing a sublime overhead kick which stunned Glory ‘keeper Tando Velaphi and nestled in the top corner of the net.
2.Carle does it all himself
Round 10, Season 2 v Adelaide United – October 27, 2006
The second season of the A-League was a special one for Newcastle-s Nick Carle, not only winning the Johnny Warren Medal but also producing the goal of the campaign. The enigmatic midfielder won possession in his own half before setting off on a gut-busting 70-metre run at a retreating Reds defence. He then unleashed a clever strike with the outside of his left boot into the far corner which secured a 2-1 win for the Jets.
3.Roar-s ultimate team goal
Round 13, Season 9 v Melbourne Victory – January 4, 2014
Some of Brisbane-s football on the way to the Premiers- Plate this season has been first-class and there was no better example of that than Liam Miller-s goal in the demolition of Melbourne Victory. Starting deep in their own half, the Roar moved the ball from one side of the park to the other, putting together 21 passes before Miller putting a clinical finish on the move. It was a near perfect team goal, involving almost every outfield player and showing wonderful passing and movement and a decisive finish from the Irishman.
4.Hernandez howitzer
Round 8, Season 5 v Gold Coast United – September 26, 2009
Hernandez has a pretty impressive catalogue of strikes during his time in the Hyundai A-League but his thunderbolt against Gold Coast tops the lot. The Costa Rican received the ball just inside his opponents half and with no one in front of him took off towards goal and then from 35 yards out went whack. Hernandez couldn-t have hit it any more sweetly, with the power and precision too much for any goal-keeper to get near.
5.Fantastic Flores
Round 6, Season 6 v Newcastle Jets – September 11, 2010
This was a goal that showed off all the qualities of the classy Argentine midfielder. First Marcos Flores showed great strength and poise to beat off the challenges of Jobe Wheelhouse and Ben Kantarovski about 35 metres out from goal. He then demonstrated his exceptional control and flair to weave past Ljubo Milicevic and Tarek Elrich before having the composure and technique to beat ‘keeper Ben Kennedy with a pin-point strike into the far top-corner.
