Former Netherlands midfielder Stijn Schaars’ outrageous spot kick in 2011 has been labelled as the ‘best penalty ever’.
Though not the most well known name in football history, Schaars enjoyed a career that many would’ve loved to have.
He came through the ranks at the Vitesse Arnhem academy and in the 02/03 season he broke into the first team. And two years later, moved to AZ Alkmaar.
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During his time in Alkmaar, Schaars got his hands on the Eredivisie title under the guidance of Louis van Gaal. After 171 appearances for the club and 12 goals, he decided to seek a move elsewhere in 2011.
The year 2011 turned out to be a memorable year for the midfielder, it was the year that he left Dutch football as he made the decision to move to the Liga Portugal as he signed for Sporting Lisbon. During that year, he also scored a spectacular penalty that will forever be etched in football history.
The penalty in question came during the Copa Confraternidad match between the Netherlands and Uruguay.
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Luis Suarez thought he had won the match for his side when he opened the scoring in the 82nd minute, but he was denied as Dirk Kuyt found the equaliser in stoppage time to take the match to a penalty shootout.
Uruguay came out 4-3 winners in the shoot out after Robin van Persie and Eljero Elia both missed their kicks. But it was Schaar’s effort that stole the show.
He took his penalty with so much power and accuracy that the ball got stuck in the top corner. YouTube footage of that penalty has been viewed 4.2 million times and Schaar’s kick is now known as the ‘best penalty ever’.
The reactions from fans said it all.
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One fan said: “Such a good penalty….even the ball wanted to stay in the net permanently.”
Another commented: “Even in slow motion the ball is going with the speed of light haha.”
And a third added: “How can everyone say this isn’t the most well placed penalty ever scored? Look where the ball is!!”
Schaars went on to play for PSV Eindhoven and SC Heerenveen before calling time on his career in 2019, but one thing is for sure, we are unlikely to see a penalty hit with such force ever again.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/YouTubeTopics: Netherlands, Football