Pavard strike voted best goal of World Cup
PARIS: Benjamin Pavard’s swerving strike from the edge of the area in France’s round of 16 win over Argentina in Kazan has been voted the best goal of the World Cup finals, FIFA said.
France were trailing 2-1 and heading out of the tournament until the relatively unknown full back got on the end of Lucas Hernandez’s over-cooked cross on the edge of the area.
Leaning back and striking the ball on the half volley with the outside of his boot, Pavard generated vicious top spin which took it beyond the reach of Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani.
France went on to win the match 4-3 and then claimed the World Cup for the second time with a victory over Croatia in the final in Moscow.
Pavard’s strike beat out 17 other goals, including a stunning long-range effort from Argentina’s Angel Di Maria in the same match, to win the award after a vote by fans.
LIVERPOOL DOWN CITY
EAST RUTHERFORD (US): Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane made an instant impact as Liverpool came from behind to beat Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 in their International Champions Cup friendly match on Wednesday.
After a goalless first half, German international Leroy Sane caught Liverpool’s defence napping and burst clear to slot past Caoimhin Kelleher on 57 minutes. Egypt star Salah, however, was quick to make his mark after coming on for Curtis Jones in the 62nd minute, scoring a header with virtually his first touch of the game to level it at 1-1 before Mane scored from a penalty in the dying seconds.
UNITED EDGE MILAN
LOSANGELES: Alexis Sanchez was on target as Manchester United defeated AC Milan on penalties in their International Champions Cup friendly on Wednesday.
Sanchez fired United into the lead with a well-taken goal on 12 minutes before Spanish midifelder Suso equalised for Milan three minutes later.
A bizarre shoot-out was won 9-8 by United, with both teams having to recycle their penalty takers after a string of missed spot-kicks.
ATLETICO WIN
SINGAPORE: Atletico Madrid substitute goalkeeper Antonio Adan saved three penalties before blasting home the winning spotkick as the Europa League champions edged out Arsenal after the sides drew 1-1 in their International Champions Cup opener on Thursday.
An inexperienced Atletico side took the lead in the first half when Luciano Vietto slotted home a powerful header before Arsenal rallied after the break with a brilliant equaliser from impressive teenage midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
Paris St Germain are the other team in the tournament and they will face Arsenal on Saturday.