Free Kicks
What's Changed In Lionel Messi's Game Since 2015?
Whether we like it or not, time passes by for everyone — even for the greatest footballer of the XXI century, Lionel Messi. Being aware of this, he's changed his playing style, adapted to new tactics, new rivals, and mostly to his own physical changes.
David Silva Marks 250th EPL Appearance With A Stunning Free Kick
David Silva made his 250th Premier League appearance and marked the occasion with a stunning free kick in Manchester City’s 6-1 destruction of Huddersfield on Sunday. The 32-year-old Silva joined City from Valencia back in 2010, and the 2018-19 season marks his ninth with the club.
His afternoon also saw him join a select group of Spaniards to have made 250 appearances in England’s top flight — only Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas, goalkeeper Pepe Reina (now at Milan) and current City assistant coach Mikel Arteta have accomplished the same feat.
Lionel Messi Scores Barcelona’s 6,000th LaLiga Goal With Sneaky Free Kick
Barcelona was lacking that killer instinct for much of its LaLiga opener. Fortunately for the reigning champs, they’ve got the world’s best player on their side, and a Lionel Messi goal vs Alaves on a sneaky free kick sparked Barcelona to a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney Produces Some More MLS Magic With Brace Against Portland
Like a certain fellow Washington D.C. resident might put it, Wayne Rooney is YUGE right now. This past weekend against Orlando, the former Manchester United man effectively broke the greater soccer world with one play. Rooney sprinted full speed — nearly half the length of the field — to track down a player, made a clean tackle and then hit a dime — nearly half the length of the field — to Luciano Acosta on the back post, who headed the ball home to give DC United the win in the 96th minute.
Alexandre Pato (Remember Him?) Free Kick Goal Shows How Sexy Curves Can Be
Remember when Alexandre Pato was the shit in FIFA? A stunning Alexandre Pato free kick against Shanghai SIPG reminded us just how good he used to be.
Back at the turn of the decade, AC Milan was a powerhouse in FIFA. Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva at center back, the speedy Ignazio Abate at right back, a midfield of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Kevin-Prince Boateng and a forward line of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexandre Pato. It was nuts.
Benjamin Pavard’s Volley Was Voted Best Goal Of The World Cup
Last World Cup gifted fans 169 goals in 64 matches. Over three million users voted on FIFA.com and the fans named Benjamin Pavard’s volley the World Cup Best Goal. Relive it here.
FIFA World Cup Best Goal | First Place
The Benjamin Pavard goal vs. Argentina was voted the World Cup best goal.
The splendid strike took place during the France-Argentina match in the Round of 16.
Kieran Trippier Has Now Done More For England Than David Beckham
Legendary right-sided midfielder David Beckham had some hugely memorable moments for England, including the free kick that sent the nation to the 2002 World Cup and the free kick that sent England to the quarterfinals in ’06. But the “Bury Beckham,” Kieran Trippier, has perhaps already eclipsed Golden Balls on the world’s biggest stage.
VAR Makes Changing Penalty Kick Rules Urgent
The application of VAR has contributed to officials awarding a record number of penalty kicks during the 2018 World Cup. The 28 penalty kicks awarded thus far shattered the previous record of 18. In addition to identifying fouls in the box, VAR could be used to improve penalty kick rules by making them more nuanced.
Who TF Is Going To Take The Free Kicks At Juventus?
If you thought Team Cavani vs. Team Neymar was one helluva little squabble, just wait until you see Juventus players standing over a free kick this season!