Kolo Toure scored the goal of the year in the Premier League. We couldn't believe it either, which is precisely why it's the goal of the year.
Now, remember that we said it's the "goal of the year" not the "best goal of the year." By "goal of the year," we mean the goal that most exemplifies the year in the Premier League. You can look at it a number of ways.
We’re ten years into the era when Lionel Messi does things like this, and they just never, ever age.
Poor Celta defender Jonny Gomes was hung out to dry, put in a spin cycle, or any other laundry phrase you’re inclined to turn. That’s also Ray Hudson bwaaaaaaaahh’ing his approval when the reigning La Liga Player of the Month freezes the poor guy, dangles the cheese, and then takes it away.That led to this, the ensuing penalty, where Messi . . . passed?
Henrik Larsson’s diving header against Bulgaria was voted the Euro 2004 goal of the tournament. Robin van Persie’s similar golazo finished second at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, losing out to eventual Puskas Award winner James Rodriguez’s ridiculous volley against Uruguay.
Friday was the Mexico derby in Portugal, with the eyes, ears and various other sensory parts of the body tuned into Porto vs. Benfica, a match that pitted Mexico National Team teammates Hector Herrera, Miguel Layun and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona (Porto) against Raul Jimenez (Benfica).
Porto ended up with a late 2-1 victory, with the Hector Herrera 2016 return-to-form tour in full swing.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez continued his excellent goal scoring form in Bayer Leverkusen's DFB Pokal (German League Cup) match against Werder Bremen, but his luck may have run out.
Before we get to that, though, the goal: a simple, well-taken penalty in the 22nd minute.
GOL DE #CHICHARITO!!! pic.twitter.com/X90jqcyAvc
It was a quiet weekend for Mexico internationals in Europe. Then Monday rolled around, and Carlos Vela reminded everyone that he is, in fact, a very good striker and Diego Reyes reminded everyone that he is, in fact, a professional soccer player. Carlos Vela and Diego Reyes were instrumental in Real Sociedad's 5-0 humiliation of Espanyol Monday.
Vela got going with this beautiful chip to give Sociedad a 2-0 lead.
There will not be any more futsal. We are sorry to inform everyone of this, truly we are, but there is simply no other option after what Ricardinho did. Futsal as a game has reached its logical endpoint. Everyone can go home now.
A warning to readers before you watch the video: the content of this video is not for the fair of heart or the squeamish. Viewer discretion is advised. Ask your doctor if your heart is healthy enough to watch this goal. Really, we should make you sign a waiver or something before you watch this goal. Proceed at your own risk.
Most fans, when you get right down to it, watch soccer for the possibilities. They watch in hopes that they will see something sublime, something beautiful, something that brightens the day and flutters the heart.
These are the type of fans who love Scottish football, which has taken the phrase "The Beautiful Game" to heart, and also to mind, body and soul.
Just look at it.
Do not sit in front of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the Paris Saint-Germain bench. He will put a shoe on your head.
Seriously, he will. We're not making that up. He'll do it. We've seen him do it.
Want proof? Here's proof:
ibra c'est un enfant pic.twitter.com/p2s7xOYjqc
We already knew Miguel Layun was enjoying his time in Portugal. How can he not be? The weather is amazing, his team is winning and he's playing out of his mind. Just in case anyone doesn't believe us regarding that last point, here's a video of Layun's assist Wednesday in Porto's Taca La Liga (Portuguese League Cup) semifinal win.