Paris: Superstars James Rodriguez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic lead a list of ten candidates for the Puskas Prize for the best goal of 2014, but face competition from little-known Irish women’s international Stephanie Roche.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahimovic won the award in 2013 for his spectacular long range goal against England in a friendly, and is back in the running this year thanks to his back-heeled volley against Bastia in a French league game.
Rodriguez, who joined Real Madrid from Monaco in the off-season, thanks in part to his skilful control and volleyed goal for Colombia against Uruguay in the World Cup, is on the list thanks to what was voted the best goal of the tournament.
Tim Cahill’s volley for Australia, in a 3-2 World Cup defeat against the Netherlands, and Dutchman Robin van Persie, who scored a fantastic diving header in the 5-1 win over Spain, are also favourites for the award.
Also featuring in Wednesday’s list released by Fifa was one woman, with Ireland’s Roche getting the nod for her juggle and strike for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in the Irish women’s league in October 2013.
The vote will be an online poll with the winning goal and top three to be announced on January 12 at the ceremony for the Ballon d’Or.
