Man, I don’t know about you fellow 18.com readers, but my blood is still flowing after Danny Welbeck’s triumphant return to the pitch resulted in one of the most memorable goals (and moments) so far in this year’s Premier League campaign where the writers seem to be putting in overtime writing the narrative. Here it is again in all of it’s glory.
#AFCvLCFC Best commentary ever..Just watch & listen!! You'll agree https://t.co/SPX5U8VoM4
— Supree (@LadyGooner8) February 15, 2016
If Peter Drury’s “THERE’S YOUR FAIRY TALE!” soundbyte doesn’t get your juices going, you need to reevaluate your soccer fandom. Clearly this is one of soccer’s best “buzzer beaters” to date, as the final whistle blew mere seconds after the goal occurred.
However, it got me thinking about some other goals in recent memory that beat the clock and left audiences breathless. I’m sure I missed a few, but here are some other buzzer beaters that have really stood out to me over the past couple of years.
Landon Donovan vs. Algeria, 2010
You had to know it was coming. The entire country jumped for joy as one of Landy Cake’s defining moments occurred during the 2010 World Cup when he collected Clint Dempsey’s blocked shot and one-timed it into an empty net in the 91st minute to make it 1-0 and send the United States into the knockout rounds.
It’s still a moment that’s played over and over in American soccer history and could arguably be Donovan’s greatest moment in the game. Of course, having the great Ian Darke on the call makes everything better.
Maurice Edu vs. Celtic, 2010
Speaking of Americans making last-minute plays, current Philadelphia Union midfielder Maurice Edu made history a couple of months before the World Cup that year by knocking in this freebie in the box in the 92nd minute after a bit of a scuffle for the loose ball in one of the wildest games between Scottish rivals Celtic and Rangers to make it 1-0.
The goal proved to be more than just the game winner for Scotland’s most heated rivalry, as it propelled Rangers to back-to-back Scottish Premier League titles.
Abby Wambach vs. Brazil, 2011
Here’s yet another American making a big play when it matters most (I’m starting to notice a trend here). Before she was part of the 2015 World Cup winning squad, Abby Wambach delivered this gem of a header courtesy of Megan Rapinoe’s perfectly placed cross in the dying moments of double overtime to tie the game 2-2 against Brazil in the quarterfinals. The women would go on to beat Brazil in penalties and advance to the finals that year.
Sergio Aguero vs. QPR, 2012
Everyone remembers where they were this day. The final day of the the 2012 Barclays Premier League season, with Manchester United two points clear of Manchester City at the top and City desperate for a goal in the final moments. Aguero’s slip past the two defenders after receiving Mario Balotelli’s pass and finishing past the near post in the 93rd minute is a memory that will live on forever in the minds of the citizens.
Also, Martin Tyler going bananas after Aguero’s goal is another soundbyte for the ages. He might be right when he said, “I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again.” As a fan of the game, I hope he’s wrong.
Arjen Robben vs. Dortmund, 2013
Robben’s goal with one minute left to play in regulation proved to be the difference maker as it separated the two German clubs and gave Munich a 2-1 win in the UEFA Champions League final that year at Wembley Stadium. Shoutout to Franck Ribery for one of the most unconventional back heels the world has ever seen, as well as Robben for somehow making that shot work.
Maybe he meant to do it like that, but he won’t care if he didn’t as long as it ended up in the back of the net.
Like I said, I’m sure there are a plethora of last-gasp game winners that I missed. Feel free to tweet me @AndySouthESun if you know one that stands out in your mind (unless it’s one scored against Arsenal, in which case don’t bother.)
