Dejan Stanković’s Halfway Line Volley, or: Why Proper Kicking Technique is Important for Goalkeepers

By: Daryl | October 19th, 2009

Inter beat Genoa 5-0 on Saturday, with Dejan Stanković’s volley from the halfway line (above) easily the highlight. Genoa keeper Marco Amelia had attempted to clear the ball upfield in first half stoppage time but scuffed it straight to Stanković, who needed just one touch to send it back over Amelia’s head and into the empty net for 3-0. A goal so good, it got its own Reuters headline.

Possibly my favourite thing about this goal isn’t the genius-level quick thinking or control that Stanković exhibits, but more that he reminds me of a cruel piano teacher. You know the old-fashioned ones that rap students on the knuckles when they make a mistake? That’s pretty much what Stanković did to Amelia here. His clearance struck the wrong note, and he’ll think twice before doing it again.

Second favourite thing is watching Mario Balotelli on the very last replay above. Balotelli (#45, left of screen)strikes me as someone not easily impressed, but he happily stands and admires as Stanković’s volley drops home, before raising his arms to celebrate what he’s just witnessed.

If for some reason the above video gets abducted in the night by the YouTube authorities, here are a few alternatives: 1, 2, 3.

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Category: Serie A

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kabir

and the fact it was such an awkward volley to pull off is impressive
Aco

what an incredible shot!!
MAD

My favorite part is the fan behind the goal hammering on the side of his own head to emphasize the boneheaded play.
Johonna

Not only did Amalia scuff is clearance but he came waaaay to far out to do it.

That goal pretty much took my breath away. The first time I saw it, I was impressed, then, in the replay, I noticed it was from a volley! Wow.