The year in soccer held many great goals, and several of them helped decide matches all around the world. There were incredible scoring feats in the Premier League, the World Cup in Russia, and smaller stages as well.
Some of the goals that were scored seemed to defy physics. In no particular order, these are five goals that won’t soon be forgotten.
1. Toni Kroos in 95th Minute to Beat Germany
The sharp angled score by Germany’s Toni Kroos that defeated Sweden in the 95th minute of their World Cup match was one.
https://youtu.be/PCT0gznqLNM
His coach Joachim Low marveled at the shot that curled from right to left into the upper part of the net.
“His free-kick was world-class, and he really deserved it.”
There were many other highlight goals, and below we feature some of the more memorable from 2018.
2. Ronaldo’s Hat Trick Against Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal faced heavy favorite Spain in the opening game of the World Cup. The 33-year-old star put the team on his back, scoring all three of the team’s goal to garner a tie with Spain.
Before this match Ronaldo had scored only three times from 13 World Cup games. His first goal allowed him to become the fourth player to score in four separate World Cups, joining Germans Miroslav Klose and Uwe Seeler and Brazil legend Pele.
But it was his third goal that was the most impressive. At the 85th minute, he had a free kick and fired a shot that went over the wall of Spanish players and into the upper part of the goal.
“The game was about to end and we managed to equalize so we are happy,†Ronaldo said. “Now we have to think about the next match, it is going to be hard, but our goal is to win and to move on from the group stage.â€
2. Liverpool’s Mohamed Saleh Escape Trick
Mohamed had several amazing goals for Liverpool last season in the Premier League, but his Houdini-like escape from several Tottenham defenders might be the most impressive.
https://youtu.be/bG-Nyrs8TiM
The Egyptian star skirted around four defenders at one point to get free and then chip the ball past the goaltender for the score. It was his second of the game and helped his team to a 2-2 draw.
3. Riley McGree Scorpion Kick
The Newcastle Jets were playing Melbourne City in an Australian A League semifinal with the winner going to the Grand Final.
The Jets were down 1-0 until Riley McGree utilized a scorpion kick that sent the ball past an unsuspecting Melbourne City goalie.
🤯🙌 Riley McGree!!!
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/adeuJ8nOs3
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) April 27, 2018
Newcastle ended up winning the game, 2-1.
4. Ruben Neves 35-yard Stunner
Wolverhampton was playing Derby County in England’s second division, when Woverhampton’s Ruben Neves stunned the crowd – and the announcer – with this goal from about 35-yards away.
The 21-year-old midfielder helped his team finish first and secure a promotion to the Premier League, the team’s first appearance there in six years.
5. Gareth Bale Bicycle Kick
Real Madrid was facing Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League when Gareth Bale scored this beauty to win the game.
https://youtu.be/q-pywHioT8s
The 29-year-old’s goal was a contender to win the Puskas Award for best goal of the year, and was disappointed when he wasn’t honored.
“Yeah, I was surprised by that, to be honest,†Bale said. “What can you say? It makes the award look a little diminished.â€
