15 Years Ago, The Greatest 'Forgotten' Free-Kick Goal Was Scored Against Liverpool In Pre-Season
Li Haiqiang's forgotten effort against Liverpool has been doing the rounds on social media.
A ridiculous 45-yard screamer from a Barclays Asia Trophy semi-final clash between Liverpool and South China has been labelled the greatest 'forgotten' free-kick goal in recent memory.
On 24 July 2007, Rafael Benitez fielded a strong team in front of 36,000 fans at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The likes of John Arne Riise, Xabi Alonso and Peter Crouch featured against the Hong Kong First Division side and rather predictably, they secured a relatively straightforward 3-1 win.
Goals from Riise, Alonso and Daniel Agger earned a deserved pre-season victory but a goal from South China midfielder Li Haiqiang, nicknamed 'The Golden Left Foot' because of his free-kick ability, grabbed the headlines.
It all kicked off when referee Mark Clattenburg awarded the home side a free-kick when Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko fouled Deng Jinghuang in the 33rd minute.
Haiqiang then wrapped his wand of a right foot around the ball, leaving goalkeeper Scott Carson flat-footed with a curling effort.
"That's extraordinary!" says the commentator. "The Hong Kong national stadium erupts!"
Haiqiang's forgotten effort against Liverpool has been doing the rounds on social media of late.
One fan said: "Puskas worthy if it existed in 2007 and under different circumstances," while another commented: "I never knew this existed. My life is better now."
A third said: "I did not expect to see this goal when I woke up. That era had the best South China team of my lifetime."
Liverpool may have come away as winners against the Hong Kong-based side but they couldn't lift the Barclays Asia Trophy in 2007 after suffering defeat against Portsmouth in the final on penalties.
Thoughts on the goal?
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Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Liverpool, Premier League, Scott Carson, Asia Trophy
Jack Kenmare