Spotting the keeper off his line and chipping him is one of the most humiliating ways to score against an opponent. When a chip is perfectly executed time appears to slow down. There is a moment of horror for the goal keeper; realising he’s too far off his line, he might start back peddling or grasping for the ball in despair, but he is powerless to prevent the inevitable as the ball sails in to the unguarded net.
Here are five of the best.
5. Lars Ricken, Borrusia Dortmund (v Juventus)
Two things mark this effort out as special: first, it was in the final of the Champions League; second, and even more remarkable, it was Ricken’s first touch of the ball since coming on as a substitute. He must have Bendtner levels of self-confidence. It could have gone so, so wrong. This clip also features some excellent Germanic popular music (for a higher-res, soundtrack free version, ).
4. Diego Maradona, Barcelona (v Red Star Belgrade)
Typical Maradona, making an outrageous piece of skill look like the most natural thing in the world. The arc of the ball is so high that the keeper probably thinks it will sail over – when he realises it’s starting to plummet it is already far too late.
3. Michael Farfan, Philadelphia Union (v Real Madrid)
No idea who Farfan is, but this is outrageously good, Totti-esque, in fact. Anyone who can execute a chip from 18 yards is worthy of praise. Bravo.
2. Glenn Hoddle, Tottenham (v Watford)
It’s not often I choose to repeatedly watch a goal being scored against my own team, but I make an exception here. 1980’s football in England featured some fairly abrasive tactics and players. Glen Hoddle was the antithesis of the route one, kick and rush approach. This goal would grace any level of football.
1. Francesco Totti, Roma (v Inter)
Totti could probably have his own top 5 chips, such is his mastery of the art. However, even by his own incredible standards, this goal stands head and shoulders above the rest. The composure with which he executes a perfect chip on the run is phenomenal. The fear in the Inter defence is tangible, they are not sure when to close; Totti has the situation perfectly under his control and when he sees the opportunity, there’s only one outcome. Perfetto.
The goal at 1:51 is an amazing chip goal. there’s another view of it which i can’t currently find but it gives a better sense of how he manipulates the entire defense before the chip. Enjoy!