World Cup 2010 had an incredible stage as South Africa hosted an interesting mix of powerhouse teams and some surprise entries. This tournament did not have its shortage of surprises with its controversial referree calls, roster omissions and additions, volatility between players and staff, coach criticism, the widespread flopping and early tournament exits amongst the tons of intrigue that developed the past month. And amidst all the tarnished images the world saw, the actual game of futbol still retained its beauty as we saw teams bind together for comeback victories, the emotion of national supporters, a wonderful “Cinderella team” in Uruguay and the displays of camraderie and sportsmanship. What really epitimozes this beauty for the game’s legions of fans are, of course, the breathtaking goals (when they actually happen in a match) which ignites a packed stadium and viewers across the globe. SwipeLife compiled its list of Top Ten goals for 2010′s World Cup. Proceed to the jump to view our selections. Watching these over again recounts where and how we witnessed these great moments.
Continue reading for our Top Ten Goal picks from the World Cup.
# 10 Mesut Ozil of Germany vs. Ghana
Mesut Ozil and the rest of the young guns from Germany really made a name for themselves during this year’s tournament. Look for this group to be one of the favorites for Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Ozil demonstrates his sublime first touch as he places a pinpoint strike, on a half volley, through a sea of defenders, into the top left corner.
# 9 Yasuhito Endo of Japan vs. Denmark
A very cohesive Japanese squad took to the field against Denmark in group play and dominated with their intense energy and confidence. That confidence was displayed on a couple of direct kicks that Keisuke Honda and Yusuhito Endo converted into superb goals. Endo’s free kick came from outside the penalty area directly in front of the Danish goal. He skillfully curled a shot around a wall of Danish defenders, and it glided past goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen’s outstretched arms.
# 8 Luis Fabiano of Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
Brazil’s magnificent teamwork and skill were ever-present in the build up and eventual goal. The Ivory Coast defenders were left in the dust as a string of passes were perfectly executed to spring Luis Fabiano who finished the play by placing a ferocious shot in the top right hand corner, leaving Boubacar Barry helpless.
# 7 David Villa of Spain vs. Honduras
A standout talent in the World Cup, Spain’s David Villa demonstrated why he is an elite striker on the international level. His tireless work ethic was on display all throughout the tournament, and it was this goal that clearly shows that level of intensity. Villa calmly collects a switch-field pass on the left side just outside the box and turns on the afterburners as he splits two defenders and out-hustles a last defender before placing a sliding shot in the upper right corner of the goal. I would even argue that it doesn’t look completely controlled, but the end result is nothing short of stunning. I felt tired for him watching it.
# 6 Maicon of Brazil vs. North Korea
This was an incredible goal by Maicon and it was the first goal Brazil scored in this year’s World Cup. Speculation whether he was crossing the ball or actually shooting on goal should not take away from this thing of beauty. The degree of difficulty here is off the charts; on the run towards the endline, placing the ball through an almost impossible angle, simply amazing.
# 5 Diego Forlan of Uruguay vs. South Africa
Uruguayan forward, Diego Forlan, won the tournament’s coveted “Golden Ball” award for his superior play. What more can be said by arguably the “best player” in the tournament? Now, I do share the same perspective as many others of FIFA focusing their support on European clubs, hence the more prevalent recognition of European leagues’ players. But as the media portrays, Forlan is the only name that commands “superstar” billing on his South American squad. And he delivered an inspired performance that really made the world notice this team. This almost casual strike from approximately 30 yards out sailed over the head of an unsuspecting South African goalkeeper. A very cool display of control and grace.
# 4 Siphiwe Tshabalala of South Africa vs. Mexico
It was quite fitting for the host nation to open up the goal tally in 2010, but no one imagined it was going to be such a majestic strike. The run-up to the goal was quite impressive from South Africa as they quickly struck Mexico on the counter and Tshabalala sealed the magnificent play with a goal that will be talked about in South Africa for years to come.
# 3 Giovanni von Bronckhorst of Holland vs. Uruguay
The Dutch captain, Giovanni von Bronckhorst really set the tone of this match by sending this absolute scorcher into the back of the net in the 17th minute. An unmarked Von Bronckhorst pushed forward, collected the ball and without surveying the rest of the field, decided to unleash a strike from way out – let’s say 35 yards out! A goal this early in the match can easily take the wind out of an opposing team’s sails, and that’s why it was so instrumental in the Netherlands’ success of this match. The distance and accuracy of this shot puts it as a Top 3 highlight of the World Cup.
# 2 Carlos Tevez of Argentina vs. Mexico
After his questionable first goal was allowed by the assistant referee, Carlos Tevez made no mistakes about his second goal as he sent a laser beam past Oscar Perez, who has the dubious distinction of being on our list twice (revert back to goal # 4). Tevez struck a bit of luck here as his through ball hit the shins of the Mexican defender, setting him up perfectly for his strike which had bend, power, and accuracy.
# 1 Diego Forlan of Uruguay vs. Germany
Once again, the tournament’s “Best Player” demonstrates an astonishing feat of technique and concentration while making it look effortless in our top goal of the World Cup. In the consolation match of the tournament, which Uruguay valiantly fought despite a losing effort, Diego Forlan and company display grit and heart that eventually led to this scintillating goal. Forlan scissor kicks a ball crossed just inside the 18-yard box delivered by fellow midfielder Egidio Arevalo. The ball is rifled on a half-volley and deflects off the ground before going past a stunned Hans Joerg Butt on the German side. The degree of difficulty in the executing this shot proves the high level of skill that Forlan possesses.
Words and Picks made by:
Jason Rodriguez and Paul Castillo
Gio von Bronckhorst is hands down the best goal in the World cup by far. Forlan’s goal should only be a close second.
Edward, I have to respectfully disagree with you one this one. There is no way the von Bronckhorst strike is better than Forlan’s. von Bronckhorst was in acres of space when he received the ball where he had time to collect it, look up, and put a good strike on the ball. Forlan on the other hand had little time to react as he struck the ball in mid-air, in close proximity to a couple of defenders.
Endo’s goal was great but Honda’s was even better! It should’ve been the one to make the list.