World Football: This Week in YouTube (8/11/11)

For the inaugural edition of "This Week in YouTube," we've got the very best goals from the opening salvos of competitions across Europe.

Friendlies, cups and the first kick offs in Germany have provided a healthy crop of digital material to get you in the mood for the start of next season.

Nani, Mario Gotze and 100 Chinese children all guest-star in Thursday, August 11's edition of World Football: This Week in YouTube.

Hugo Almeida in "How'd He Do That?"

Poor Luxembourg.

They've got a population the size of a crowded Volkswagen and they're playing Portugal.

At least they got front row seats to Hugo's wonder-goal.

Shinji Okazaki Screamer Against Shalke

Deft first touch on an unruly ball, another to get into space, one more to swing it into the far side of the net.

Okazaki is the picture of efficiency here, getting all the angles right to set up a wonderful goal. 'Nuff said.

Lewandowski's Backheel Assist for Mario Götze

Borussia Dortmund picked up right where they left off at the end of last season: in first.

Dortmund manhandled a spineless Hamburg side to the tune of 3-1 in the opening match of the Bundesliga season.

The match as a whole makes for thoroughly entertaining fare, but Gotze's goal and the fabulous back-heel pass from Robert Lewandowski deserve special recognition.

Real Madrid Take on 109 Chinese Kids

Real Madrid superstars take on an extended gaggle of Chinese schoolchildren.

That is all.

Mario Götze and the Incredible Assist, Part Deux

Different day, same Gotze.

The 19-year-old German helped end a winless streak against Brazil that had extended since he was a one-year-old.

After receiving yet another flawless pass (this time arriving from Toni Kroos), Gotze easily sidestepped Julio Cesar and deposited a lofty shot in the back of the net.

Brazil Coach Mario Menezes Appreciates Joachim Low's Juggling Skills

Still got it!

Sneijder's Futile Free Kick

The man of many rumors, Sneijder, and his speculations have sold more tabloids this summer than Rupert Murdoch. The Dutchman has been courted at length by both monied sides in Manchester these past few weeks, with his latest exploit in Beijing coming just in time to squeeze an extra million pounds into his contract. 

Unfortunately for all you Interisti's out there, even Sneijder can't do it alone: The momentary 1-0 was soon overcome by Ibrahimovic and Prince-Boateng counters, earning AC Milan the 2011 SuperCoppa.

Montolivo Chips Iker Casillas as Italy Beat Spain 2-1

Montolivo seals his first goal in Azzurri blue with panache.

Fiorentina's want-away midfielder exploits Spain's high line, receives Criscito's prescient pass and chips the best goalie in the world. The ping off the cross-bar earns bonus points.

That Italy went on to beat the world champions 2-1 makes it even cooler. 

Nani Puts Finishing Touch on Red Devil Equalizer in Community Shield

The first official game of the English season kicked off with the FA Community Shield, pitting Premiership-winning United against sworn rivals Manchester City, late winners of the FA Cup.

City and their millionaires led at halftime, with a Lescott header and a De Gea fumbling putting them two goals above their rivals; but after the break, a smart volley from Chris Smalling opened the door for the Red Devils—a door which they proceeded to tear violently from its hinges.

In the following video, Nani caps off a sumptuous move from Ferguson's men after dashing through the slightest of gaps in City's defense.

Nani would later poach a last-minute goal to preempt PKs and win Man U's first trophy of the season.