8) A World Cup of Long Shots
Philip Lahm's shot in the opening match against Costa Rica set the tone for World Cup 2006. Despite the supposedly lack of goals, especially in the latter stages of the tournament, there is no doubt that we're treated to a feast of stunning strikes thanks to the encouragement of the new soccer ball which, according to experts, swerves more in the air and thus giving goalkeepers less reaction time to save the shots. As a goalkeeper in my schooldays, I can testify that this split-second difference in reaction time can be the difference between a marvellous save and a stunning goal. If the purpose of this new ball is to encourage players to shoot more, it certainly served its purpose. Goals that still remained in my memory now includes Torsten Frings' shot in the same match against Costa Rica, Joe Cole's goal against Sweden, Maxi Rodriguez's goal against Mexico, Deco's goal against Iran, Kaka's shot against Croatia and Tomas Rosicy's first goal against USA. I don't know if others feel the same way but long shots from outside the box have always bring about an adredeline rush when the shots flew into the net, probably because of the element of surprise as well as the power and precision involved. Bastian Schweinstegier's double strikes against Portugal in the 3rd/ 4th placing match are a fitting end to a series of stunning long range efforts that are converted into marvellous goals which have fans including myself jumping off our seats.
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