10 Best Golazos from World Football This Weekend
An international break can often bring with it a dearth of the kind of golazos we regularly see in league play, but this break was an exception.
This weekend's ranking features brilliant strikes from Euro 2016 qualifying, friendlies and a few leagues that have powered on regardless of international proceedings.
Before we start proceedings, honourable mentions go to Roberto Firmino's strike in Brazil's friendly with Chile at the Emirates, Mario Balotelli's impressive effort in a charity match at Anfield and Austria's fantastic team effort against Liechtenstein.
10. Marouane Fellaini (Belgium ) vs. Cyprus
1 of 10Belgium gave Cyprus a 5-0 schooling in their Euro qualifier on Saturday, with two of the goals coming from Marouane Fellaini.
Amazingly, neither were headers from long balls, and the second goal was actually a beautiful curling strike from outside the area.
9. Gareth Bale (Wales) vs. Israel
2 of 10Gareth Bale scored twice in Wales' 3-0 Euro qualifier victory over Israel on Saturday.
The Real Madrid superstar showed that his confidence has clearly not evaded him—despite recent club performances—as he scored the second goal in the 50th minute from a brilliant free-kick.
The Welshman also set up the opener and scored the third and has either scored or assisted six of his nation's seven goals in qualifying so far.
8. Javier Hernandez (Mexico) vs. Ecuador
3 of 10Mexico took on Ecuador in a friendly in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, and the star of the show was undoubtedly Javier Hernandez.
In the 14th minute, the Real Madrid star took the ball from the foot of an Ecuador defender before punishing some sloppy play with a delightful right-footed strike.
7. Marcelo Cirino vs Bonsucesso (1-0)
4 of 10Brazilian Carioca 1 leaders Flamengo earned a 2-0 win at Bonsucesso on Saturday, thanks in part to a wonder strike from Marcelo Cirino.
In the 18th minute, the Rio de Janeiro side took the lead when Marcelo received the ball on the edge of the area and teed himself up for a lovely volley.
Of course, some slack defending helped his cause, but it was an excellent finish regardless.
6. Eder (Italy) vs. Bulgaria
5 of 10Italy rescued a late point in their Euro 2016 qualifier in Bulgaria with a brilliant 84th-minute goal from Eder.
As the clocked ticked down, the Brazilian-born Sampdoria striker composed himself enough to score a lovely equaliser from outside the box, giving a final score of 2-2.
Not a bad way for the 28-year-old to mark his Azzurri debut.
5. Federico Mancuello (Argentina) vs. El Salvador
6 of 10Independiente midfielder Federico Mancuello earned a rare appearance for Argentina when he came on as a substitute in their 2-0 win over El Salvador in Maryland, USA, on Saturday.
Mancuello repaid Tata Martino's faith with a sublime free-kick in the 88th minute, when he caught the El Salvador defence unaware by taking a shot from a very tight angle.
4. Marco Weymans (Belgium U19) vs. Sweden U19
7 of 10The Belgian national side isn't short on talent, and Marco Weymans will certainly be a name to look out for in the future.
The 17-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder scored an incredible 60-yard lob in the 84th minute of his nation's U19 clash with Sweden on Saturday, giving his side a 2-0 victory in superb fashion.
3. Moussa Konate (Senegal) vs. Ghana
8 of 10Africa Cup of Nations finalists Ghana were defeated 2-1 at home by Senegal on Saturday.
The visitors' opening goal was worthy of winning any match—21-year-old striker Moussa Konate, who is currently playing with Swiss side Sion, caught a long ball on his chest and sent a sensational volley over the keeper.
2. Nemanja Matic (Serbia) vs. Portugal
9 of 10Serbia fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday, but their goal was rather special.
Just past the hour-mark, Nemanja Matic put away a fantastic bicycle kick from a corner. The Chelsea star may not score often, but he certainly makes it special when he does.
1. David Ball (Fleetwood Town) vs. Preston
10 of 10The best goal of the weekend didn't come from international play—it was scored in front of around 5,000 people in Lancashire.
Fleetwood Town earned a 1-1 draw against high-flying League One opponents Preston on Sunday, thanks to a stunning 85th-minute equaliser from David Ball.
The 25-year-old striker managed to create space for himself with some dazzling footwork before unleashing a superb chip over the helpless Preston keeper.
