Set Play Masters: 50 Great Free Kick Goals

Set plays can make or break a team's chances at a win and can sometimes be the difference between three points, one point, or no points.

There is not a lot in football that brings as much anticipation and excitement than when the referee blows his whistle for a set play just outside the box.

Most coaches harp the consistency out of set plays. Deploying the right playmakers to initiate these set plays can make the bosses look like geniuses and the free kick takers like heroes.

Without further ado—in no particular order—here are 50 great free-kicks for goals.

No rankings, just 50 set pieces. Fifty goals. Enjoy.

Netting From Deep

Unfair for the keeper, really. Who does this guy think he is, taking a shot on goal from that far?

Keisuke Honda

Honda's free kick makes the keeper look silly, but the Japanese commentary may be equally entertaining.

Bending It

Remember when Becks was on United? He can still twist and bend his free kicks for the Galaxy, even at the ripe age of 35.

The Italian Way

Andrea Pirlo gives the keeper no chance on a nasty curler.

No Sound, No Problem

Who needs audio when you have Roberto Carlos?

Ronaldo Needs No Introduction

An unfair display from the Portuguese international. The commentator makes it all the more exciting.

Clever Riquelme

It's like he meant to do that.

Eh.

His reaction says it all. His classic wide stance instills nightmares.

How About Some More?

"It's absolutely wonderful."

One From the Stands

Is there a more uplifting display? There are six players on the wall. Brilliance.

Getting "Ronaldinhoed"

Under "perfection" in the dictionary, there is this clip.

Some More Ronaldinho

It's not even fair.

Back To Ronaldo

Great execution. A better shot.

From Long Range

Call it a howitzer.

A Treat from the MLS

Dwayne De Rosario scorches one into the top corner.

Bender Goal

Villa's keeper Brad Friedel got a hand on it, but not enough to parry the long-range bending strike.

Trickeration

Tricky business from Fábio Aurélio. It is not everyday you see Petr Čech get fooled like that.

Zlatan's Powershot

The keeper gets a touch, but the sheer power from Zlatan Ibrahimović overwhelms the net-minder.

Free Kick on a Leash

Another gem from the MLS, Fredy Montero whips in a long-range bomb.

Clever Execution

A clever set play from the old Real Madrid stars leaves Beckham with the notch on the score sheet.

Beckham Does It Again

He did it for Manchester United. He did it for Real Madrid. He's doing it for LA Galaxy.

Tugging the Rope

Syunsuke Nakamura pulls the rope on this unreachable free kick.

Nakamura Encore

He just one-upped himself.

Ronaldo Does It Deflection Style

The Portuguese superstar loves him some deflection goals.

Unfair

It is no wonder Real Madrid dished out £80 million for this magic man.

Quick and Easy

The keeper only managed to get fingertips on Aaron Ramsey's set piece.

Lionel Messi

What would a free kick compilation be without some Lionel Messi?

Blink and Miss

Blink and you missed it. At least what's what happened to Atletico Madrid's keeper.

A Young Flying Dutchman

Wesley Sneijder does not disappoint.

Some Xavi Action

Simply creating a diversion can be the difference between a goal and a save.

Mmm Nachos

Nacho Scocco dings one in off the crossbar.

Mind the Wall

Edinho sneaks one just over the wall.

Maradona

Just chillin'. No big deal.

A Dual Effort

Didier Drogba gets some help, but he still puts it past the keeper.

Double Post

Quaresma plays pinball with the woodwork.

Doink

Juninho puts it where the keeper can't reach it.

Thunderbolt

Hugo Almeida unleashes a thunderbolt on goal.

This Kid Is Alright

Youngins can do it too, never mind the vertically challenged keeper.

We Love Home Videos

How about this little one tugging the string a little?

TEVEZ!

Tevez bends one in, just out of the reach of the keeper.

Up and Over

Michael Ballack puts it over the wall, and pulls it back down over the keeper.

Back To Ronaldinho

How does he do it?

No Words

There are no words for this one.

Corner Shot

Franck Ribéry finds the corner.

Ribéry Encore

The Frenchman does it again.

Surprise

Keisuke Honda fires a cannon, and the keeper hardly expects it.

Sneaky Stuff

With Ronaldo expected to take this set piece, Owen Hargreaves surprises all with his own sneaky shot.

Top Drawer From Anderson

Great placement, great set piece.

Rocket

Maybe the keeper was slow to get there, but still a great strike from distance.

The Rising Shot

An uplifting shot into the top of the goal.

Just For Kicks

Here is some more Ronaldo. Some are repeats, and apologies for the Euro techno.