Laurent Blanc lauds ‘magnifique’ Stephanie Roche strike

Former France international footballer Laurent Blanc has described Irish woman Stephanie Roche’s contender for the Fifa Goal of the Year award as “magnificent”.

Republic of Ireland international Roche, who scored while playing for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in October last year, is now playing with French professional side Albi.

The highly decorated former France international and current manager of top-flight French outfit Paris Saint Germain spoke briefly about Roche’s goal after he was shown a replay by journalists at a press conference.

“It’s beautiful, magnificent, pity there wasn’t more of an atmosphere to celebrate it a bit more,” said Blanc. “I don’t know if she’s going to win the prize, we’ll see. But her goal is very beautiful. If it had been in a Champions League final or in a match with 100,000 spectators it would have caused a sensation.”

Hot competition

Roche’s goal has made the final shortlist of three contenders and is up against Manchester United and Netherlands striker Robin van Persie and World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez of Real Madrid and Colombia.

The public vote for the Fifa Puskás Award, described by Fifa president Sepp Blatter as an award for the “most beautiful” goal of the year, is ongoing and the winner will be announced at a Fifa gala on January 12th.

Last year’s winner of the award was Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an acrobatic bicycle kick from long range against England in a friendly.