It’s not very often that a central defender can be seen taking a shot close to the halfway line and even rarer still when that shot flies into the back of the net with the goalkeeper never having a chance.
That is exactly the sort of goal produced by Terek Grozny’s Martin Jiranek last month. The fact they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of FC Kuban Krasnodar really does not take any shine off the quality of the strike. Yes, it really is that good. Even if you have seen it watch it again. Trust me it never fails to amaze.
It is a goal that can be watched time and time again without it ever losing its swagger. Better still it’s Jiranek’s first ever Terek Grozny goal. It will surely be one that will be repeated over and over again in the club’s merchandise shop.
For those of you who might recognise the name think Birmingham City’s League Cup triumph over Arsenal in 2011. He was a starter that day but even that possibly can’t compete with the sheer joy and pride of scoring a miracle goal to equalise for your team.
Aside from the goal Grozny are currently enjoying a fine season including a 2-0 away victory over defending champions Zenit. With Zenit struggling for consistency this season despite their late transfer splurge perhaps Grozny can mount a challenge for the European places and provide Jiranek with further Russian memories…
Tomos Llewellyn