A thumping header may be a thing of beauty and delicate chips and intricate team goals are a joy to behold, but there is absolutely no better way of putting a football in the back of the net than by absolutely cannoning it off the crossbar en route to crossing the goal line.
Granted, there is an indescribable majesty behind an effort that emanates from an almighty goal mouth scramble or a farcical own goal, but the finest way to leave a goalkeeper helpless is always going to involve the rattling of some horizontal woodwork.
And three years ago, today, James Rodriguez proved just that, as he walloped a 30-yard volley past Uruguay's Fernando Muslera at the Maracana.
Advert
Also, has a goal ever benefited more from manic Spanish commentary?
Rodriguez would add a second goal to seal a 2-0 win for Colombia in the round of 16 match, but, despite watching the match live, I have absolutely no recollection of it because why would you pay close attention to anything else after Rodriguez's opener?
Advert
The goal would help Rodriguez secure the tournament's golden boot, although La Tricolor would crash out to Brazil in the next round of the tournament, with a Rodriguez penalty not enough to prevent Colombia losing 2-1 to the host nation, who subsequently walked right into the most ruthless German performance in international tournament history, in the semi-finals.
Rodriguez would secure a £70 million move to Real Madrid, that summer, but despite lifting two Champions Leagues and a La Liga title since arriving at the Bernabeu, the former Monaco and Porto midfielder has never been able to consistently replicate his finest form and looks set to depart the Spanish capital, three years after his most iconic moment.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old's signature, having previously been linked with the playmaker while he was at Porto, in 2012.
Wherever Rodriguez ends up and no matter how his career ends up panning out, he'll always have the honour of scoring one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history.
Advert
And also, let us not forget how, during Colombia's quarter-final with Brazil, the Real Madrid man didn't even allow a mutant locust trying to eat his arm distract him from scoring a penalty.
Advert
Let's hope that the Real Madrid play maker can rediscover the form he displayed at the 2014 World Cup, so he can return to tormenting crossbars on a regular basis. The Beautiful Game demands it.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Colombia, Football, James Rodriguez, World Cup, Uruguay
