Set Play Masters: 50 Great Free Kick Goals
Jonathan Woo@woo_jonathanwooCorrespondent ISeptember 30, 2010Set Play Masters: 50 Great Free Kick Goals
Set plays can make or break a team's chances at a win and can sometimes be the difference between three points, one point, or no points.
There is not a lot in football that brings as much anticipation and excitement than when the referee blows his whistle for a set play just outside the box.
Most coaches harp the consistency out of set plays. Deploying the right playmakers to initiate these set plays can make the bosses look like geniuses and the free kick takers like heroes.
Without further ado—in no particular order—here are 50 great free-kicks for goals.
No rankings, just 50 set pieces. Fifty goals. Enjoy.
Netting From Deep
Unfair for the keeper, really. Who does this guy think he is, taking a shot on goal from that far?
Keisuke Honda
Honda's free kick makes the keeper look silly, but the Japanese commentary may be equally entertaining.
Bending It
Remember when Becks was on United? He can still twist and bend his free kicks for the Galaxy, even at the ripe age of 35.
Ronaldo Needs No Introduction
An unfair display from the Portuguese international. The commentator makes it all the more exciting.
One From the Stands
Is there a more uplifting display? There are six players on the wall. Brilliance.
Getting "Ronaldinhoed"
Under "perfection" in the dictionary, there is this clip.
Bender Goal
Villa's keeper Brad Friedel got a hand on it, but not enough to parry the long-range bending strike.
Trickeration
Tricky business from Fábio Aurélio. It is not everyday you see Petr Čech get fooled like that.
Zlatan's Powershot
The keeper gets a touch, but the sheer power from Zlatan Ibrahimović overwhelms the net-minder.
Free Kick on a Leash
Another gem from the MLS, Fredy Montero whips in a long-range bomb.
Clever Execution
A clever set play from the old Real Madrid stars leaves Beckham with the notch on the score sheet.
Beckham Does It Again
He did it for Manchester United. He did it for Real Madrid. He's doing it for LA Galaxy.
Tugging the Rope
Syunsuke Nakamura pulls the rope on this unreachable free kick.
Ronaldo Does It Deflection Style
The Portuguese superstar loves him some deflection goals.
Quick and Easy
The keeper only managed to get fingertips on Aaron Ramsey's set piece.
Blink and Miss
Blink and you missed it. At least what's what happened to Atletico Madrid's keeper.
Some Xavi Action
Simply creating a diversion can be the difference between a goal and a save.
A Dual Effort
Didier Drogba gets some help, but he still puts it past the keeper.
This Kid Is Alright
Youngins can do it too, never mind the vertically challenged keeper.
Up and Over
Michael Ballack puts it over the wall, and pulls it back down over the keeper.
Sneaky Stuff
With Ronaldo expected to take this set piece, Owen Hargreaves surprises all with his own sneaky shot.
Rocket
Maybe the keeper was slow to get there, but still a great strike from distance.
Just For Kicks
Here is some more Ronaldo. Some are repeats, and apologies for the Euro techno.