Place the ball down carefully. Make sure it’s sitting just right on the grass, valve in the right place for power. 40 yards out. It’s a long way for a free Kick but doable. The French have put up a 4 man wall covering the right side of the goal. Goalkeeper is centre. That leaves a nice space in the right corner. Just need plenty of power and wicked bend.
For power, take a long straight run up from inside the halfway circle, a stuttered run initially then stride out at full speed, slightly to the left of the ball. Concentrate on connecting with the bottom right of the ball, with left foot toes forced downwards, locked in place as the boot strikes on the outside. Punch through, aiming for the A in the advertising board, well outside the wall and right post. The bend and spin will take the ball back to goal. Skip off the standing foot, both feet off the ground as the ball takes off like a rocket.
Now it’s suspension of time, as all eyes watch the trajectory of the ball. It clears the outside of the wall with room to spare, moving at pace to the right, then arcs left as if pulled by a magnet towards the goal. A second has passed. The Goalkeeper barely moves, he hasn’t had time. The ball clips off the inside post and smashes into the net. The stadium erupts! It’s one of the great goals.
Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid and Brazil was a wonderful attacking fullback and famous for his ability on free kicks. His technique shown in this goal was simply fantastic and a fun skill to practice and master.
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