John Barnes is famous for two things: his 'World in Motion' rap for the 1990 World Cup and a certain wonder goal he scored against Brazil at the Maracana six years earlier.
The former Watford and Liverpool legend is one of the most naturally gifted players to pull on an England shirt and the perfect evidence of his supreme talents came on 10 June 1984 at the Maracana.
Just days earlier, England were booed off the pitch when they were beaten by the USSR at Wembley but out-Brazilled Brazil in their own backyard with a 2-0 victory. Mark Hateley scored the other goal but to this day the spotlight remains on that stunner served up by Barnes, who had only made his International debut a year earlier.
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The then-Watford man collected the ball in the Brazil half and danced his way through the whole Samba defence - five or six players tried to nick the ball off him but could not do anything to thwart his pace, power and guile. The speed and balance on display is something else and Barnes had the composure to round Roberto Costa in the Brazil goal and slot home.
Watch the goal as many times as you wish to, with the following clip:
As far as solo goals are concerned, Barnes' is right up there. This was a sublime piece of individual play that occurred before memorable magic served up by the likes of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
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And it's arguably the greatest goal England have ever scored. It's up for debate for sure but when you think of truly great England goals in history, that one always pops up; it's certainly in the top five (if it's not, sort it out mate).
Big John turns 53 today so naturally we've paid tribute to him by selecting this stunning solo strike as goal of the day.
Happy Birthday, John.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Watford, Liverpool, John Barnes, Football, England, Brazil