My goal wasn’t to make Stephanie a soccer star
IT’S the cleverly intercepted cross and skilful display of targetry that places Dublin woman Stephanie Roche on the same footing as Robin Van Persie and James Rodriguez.
But the Irish woman’s goal, which has been nominated for Fifa’s prestigious goal of the year award, was scored in front of a crowd of just 20 supporters, Ms Roche’s former team coach has revealed.
And it was only captured on camera – to be later uploaded to YouTube where it has been seen by millions of people around the world – because the opposition were taping the match.
Ms Roche hit the headlines this week when it emerged that her goal, scored for Peamount United against Wexford Youth in late 2013, had been nominated for the Fifa Puskas Award.
The 25-year-old, who now plays for ASPTT Albi in France’s Division 1, is the only woman to have made the list, and an online campaign to see her claim the prize is now underway. Her former team manager Eileen Gleeson said she knew it was a special goal as soon as the ball hit the back of the net. ‘We all realised it was a great goal,’ Ms Gleeson said this week. ‘It was a moment of magic and you can see my reaction on the sideline.
‘There weren’t many people at the game. I’d say you’re probably talking about 20 people there.
‘The other team were recording the game so they could do video analysis afterwards.
‘I got the tape, edited the clip, and put it on YouTube. I had no idea it would go viral. I just put it up because it was a great goal. There was great excitement at the time but now, with the nomination, it’s on another level.’
The bookies’ favourite is a volley scored by Colombia star James Rodriguez. Voting on the best goal is open until December 1.