Watch Van Basten's bicycle kick
Thursday, July 3, 2014
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Marco van Basten has two goals in UEFA's best goal poll. Yes, that one from '88 but also a "beautiful bicycle kick" on a memorable night for AC Milan – he recalls it here.
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Marco van Basten recalls his splendid bicycle kick for AC Milan against IFK Göteborg in the inaugural UEFA Champions League – one of the leading contenders in UEFA's best goal poll.
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Van Basten's strike was one of four he scored that night at San Siro, helping Milan to a resounding success in the opening game of their 1992/93 group campaign. Unsurprisingly, it is a goal the Dutchman – more than 20 years on – remembers clearly, from Stefano Eranio's cross to his own very deliberate and precise acrobatics.
"When you feel good and the ball comes just a bit behind you, then you have the option to hold it and lay it back, but you can also do a bicycle kick – that was one of my qualities," said Van Basten, now 49.
"That was actually a good ball for a bicycle kick, and I know it turned out nicely. That's quite nice and beautiful to do, and also to perform, and it turned out well. So it was a memorable match, also for me because I scored four goals of course. There were some beauties and those are quite special nights."
Fabio Capello certainly thought so. "I would rate Van Basten as a 9.5 tonight," said the then Milan coach, "but only because I don't think perfection exists."
What about you? What rating would you give the goal?
