Poll: The greatest goals against England: Ibrahimovic, Maradona and more

Argentina's Diego Maradona (second right) goes past England's Terry Butcher (right) and Peter Shilton (on floor) to score his second goal of the game in the 1986 World Cup quarter final. Photo credit: Peter Robinson/EMPICS

Thursday, November 15, 2012
12:21 PM

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s overhead kick left football fans across the world astonished by its improvised beauty and skill.

England captain Steven Gerrard said it was probably the best goal he had seen live and manager Roy Hodgson compared it to “watching a video game”.

With Ibrahimovic’s goal in mind, London24 Sport looks back at some of the other wonder goals to have rocked England over the years.

DIEGO MARADONA (Argentina, 1986)

Where else to start than one of the greatest solo goals of all time? Fresh from putting Argentina ahead with the ‘Hand of God’ goal, Maradona took on six players as he made a 60-metre, 10-second run that culminated in him taking the ball round Peter Shilton and slotting home to eliminate England from the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

RONALDINHO (Brazil, 2002)

Another player at the top of his powers at the time of scoring, Ronaldinho’s free-kick was artistry at its best. Yes, David Seaman could have done better but the vision to float in a 40-yard free-kick cannot be underestimated.

PAL DARDAI (Hungary, 2006)

One that will have slipped a few people’s minds, but a superb strike nonetheless. Despite his team being outplayed, Dardai took one touch and then unleashed an exquisite strike from 30 yards.

RUI COSTA (Portugal, 2004)

In a superb Euro 2004 quarter-final, the hosts went ahead in extra-time thanks to a moment of magic from Costa. The midfielder burst forward from the halfway line and cut back on the edge of the box, before rifling home a strike off the underside of the crossbar.

CHRISTIAN PANDER (Germany, 2007)

England suffered their first loss at the new Wembley at the hands of old enemy Germany, who came from behind to win thanks to Pander’s thunderous left-footed drive that flew past goalkeeper Paul Robinson.