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What's the story?
Hayden Fernandes' sensational goal for FC Goa reserves against Kerala Blasters reserves in the I-League second division has all the elements in it to be considered as an entry for the Puskas awards, which is given for the best goal of the calendar year.
In case you didn't know...
Languishing at fifth place in group B in the I-league second division, FC Goa reserves desperately needed a win against Kerala Blasters.
Hayden equalised for FC Goa with this absolute belter in reply to Loken Meitei's opener. However, a late winner by Shahajas meant that Hayden's wonder goal couldn't fetch any points for FC Goa as they went down 2-1.
The heart of the matter
Regardless of Kerala Blasters taking all the three points, Hayden Fernandes can boast about this brilliant goal which deserves to be one of India's entries for the Puskas award. Watch the goal here.
The sweet cushioning of the ball on his chest as he took a hit at one go and sent it above the keeper and into the far corner is worthy of all the praise he's getting.
It is surely one of the best goals scored on Indian soil this year, along with this wonderful solo effort by Nongdamba Naorem for Indian Arrows against Shillong Lajong.
What's next?
The Puskas award is given to the best goal of the year by FIFA in a ceremony held in December. There have been great goals scored around the world this year and these two surely deserve a mention.
A cushioned volley from about 25 yards out to the far corner and a solo goal after beating five defenders have all the merits to be nominated.
Author's take
Goals like these, when scored by top players in European leagues, create ripples on social media. It is beautiful to watch such goals being scored in I-League and lower divisions of Indian football and deserves the media attention and possibly a Puskas nomination.
