Female challenge to best goal of the year

THERE was hardly anyone in the tiny Peamount United stadium to see Stephanie Roche score the spectacular goal that now sees her challenging James Rodriguez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robin van Persie for the Goal of the Year award. The 25year-old blonde centrepiece of Ireland’s women’s attack still cannot believe the strike and the fuss it has caused. The € 800 (about R10 800) a month professional with Albi in the French women’s league is now dreaming of maybe meeting $80-million a year Cristiano Ronaldo at the awards ceremony. “It has just been crazy,” said Roche. The goal has been viewed on the internet millions of times. That could help her beat the big name World Cup stars to the Puskas Award when it is announced on January 12.