Monday Osagie, a center back for Churchill Brothers in the Indian I-League, scored from just inside the halfway line to open the scoring against Shillong Lajong on Friday. It was the least impressive goal from midfield you’ll ever see.
Here’s a fine example of the commentator’s curse (not that Kaizer Chiefs and South Africa No. 1 Itumeleng Khune could do much about it). With the broadcasters waxing lyrical about Khune’s distribution from goalkeeper, Polokwane City’s Walter Musona stepped up and drilled a sensational free kick into the top corner.
James Rodriguez welcomed the Bundesliga back from its winter break with a sublime piece of accuracy, an exquisite free kick to cap off Bayern Munich’s 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday. With the Munich holding a one-goal lead heading into stoppage time, the reigning German champions got a little bit of wiggle room thanks to the James Rodriguez free kick goal.
A thing of beauty from James Rodriguez! https://t.co/BB0LH6bjvT
Lionel Messi is currently leading La Liga in scoring, and a big reason for that is the dynamic between him and Barcelona left back Jordi Alba. Of Alba's eight assists so far this season, seven have been scored by Messi.
Not that Messi doesn't sometimes return the favor, having assisted Jordi Alba twice.
When these two get rolling, Barcelona simply cannot be stopped, as Celta Vigo found out Thursday in the Copa del Rey, a match that featured two Jordi Alba assists to Messi and one Messi assist to Jordi Alba.
Announcers can bring a lot to a sporting event, providing insightful commentary or added excitement. They can also detract from a game, as anyone who has ever tried to watch a basketball game with Bill Walton as the color commentator can attest to. The announcers for the I-League match between Minerva Punjab and Mohun Bagan fall into the latter category for the magnificent goal late in the match by Kingsley Obumneme.
Manchester United looked like it was heading toward a replay with Derby County in the FA Cup third round on Friday. Despite playing at home and with a lineup close to full strength, the Red Devils couldn’t break down the English Championship side. Until an incredible Jesse Lingard goal in the 84th minute.
Lingard, who has been on fire of late, scored his fourth goal in four matches to lift Manchester United to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.