The second round of the group phase is in the books, which means it's time to pin a shining blue ribbon on the lapel of its most exciting goal. Once again, I'll be pronouncing a winner from the Olympian heights of being the only person who knows my account password, but you're warmly invited to name your own choice in the comments. We have more nominees (and videos) this time. . .
David Villa v. Sweden
Robin van Persie v. France
Thierry Henry v. Holland
Arjen Robben v. France
Arda Turan v. Switzerland
And the winner is…Arjen Robben. All the goals from the Holland-France match were memorable (Sneijder's could easily have been a nominee as well), but the impossible angle of Robben's shot gives it the edge for me over the slightly more exciting build-up of van Persie's. Then again, van Nistelrooy's backheel-pirouette probably deserves its own award. I can't wait to see what round three produces.
It was a great piece of skill by RVN but I'm not totally convinced it was intended as a pass for Robben.
My vote also goes for the latter's goal.
I agree with you, Brian. It was shot at an impossible angle across the full of the goal, and hit with such force that two defenders could not react.
What's really special about Robben's goal is how it basically said to the world, "hey everyone, it's 1988 again. Football can still be beautiful."
Turkey's captain's goal was epic!