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Messi and Ibrahimovic nominated for FIFA goal of the year
LAUSANNE, Aug 20, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic
are the star names on the 10-player short-list announced on Monday by FIFA
for its Puskas award for goal of the year.
They are joined by three women and five men, with goals scored between
July 16, 2018 and July 19, 2019.
There are nominees from the Bundesliga, Spanish Liga and women’s World Cup
and one, a jaw-dropping shot by Billie Simpson of Cliftonville Ladies, from a
Northern Ireland women’s league game played on what appears to be a public
pitch in front of no spectators.
Messi, who has yet to win the award, earned a seventh nomination with a
delicate chip for Barcelona against Betis in Seville. Ibrahimovic netted with
a balletic volley for LA Galaxy in Toronto in Major League Soccer.
The award, which was established in 2009, is named after the legendary
Hungary, Spain and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskas.
Fans can vote until September 1 on the 10 candidates nominated by FIFA.
The governing body of world football will then choose between the top three
vote getters.
The two other women candidates are Ajara Nchout for a dribble and shot for
Cameroon against New Zealand in the World Cup and Amy Rodriguez of Utah for a
dribble and long-range shot in the US National Women’s Soccer League.
The remaining five choices are: Brazilian Matheus Cunha, of RB Leipzig,
for a spin and chip against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, Italian veteran
Fabio Quagliarella for a back-heeled volley for Sampdoria against his former
club Napoli, Colombian Juan Fernando Quintero for a free kick for River Plate
against Argentine rivals Racing, Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace for a
volley against Manchester City and Daniel Zsori for an overhead kick for
Debrecen in the Hungarian league.
Last year the Puskas award was won by Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
Ibrahimovic won in 2013. Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have also won.
The winner will be announced at the FIFA Football Awards in Milan on
September 23.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1400HRS