The idea of scoring directly from a corner kick sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it?
Imagine the ball sailing through the air, curving in just the right way, bypassing every player on the pitch, and nestling into the back of the net.
So, is it possible? And more importantly, is it legal in the game of football?
The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! A player can indeed score directly from a corner kick, and when this rare feat happens, it’s referred to as an Olimpico.
According to the official rules of the game, as long as the ball goes directly into the opposing team’s net, it counts as a goal. However, if you manage to curve the ball into your own goal from a corner, the opposing team is simply awarded a corner kick instead.
So, no own goals from corners, but scoring an Olimpico is certainly within the bounds of possibility—and legality!
This unique and exhilarating way to score has been part of football’s history for nearly a century, and while it doesn’t happen often, when it does, it’s a jaw-dropping moment that leaves fans and players alike in awe.
The History of the Olimpico
The term “Olimpico” was born during the 1924 Summer Olympics. During a match between Argentina and Uruguay, Cesáreo Onzari scored directly from a corner against the reigning Olympic champions, Uruguay.
The goal was so spectacular that it not only gave the move its name but also set the stage for future generations of players to dream of achieving the same feat.
However, the first officially recorded direct corner kick goal in English football happened later that year, on October 11, 1924, courtesy of Billy Smith of Huddersfield Town. Smith’s goal stunned spectators, and since then, the Olimpico has remained a rare but beloved part of football lore.
The Art of Scoring an Olimpico
So, how does one go about scoring directly from a corner? While it may seem like a lucky shot, there’s actually a great deal of technique involved. The ball must be struck with the perfect combination of power, spin, and curve.
The objective is to make the ball bend just enough to evade the goalkeeper and defenders. Often, it’s an inswinging corner—the kind where the ball curves inward toward the goal—that catches everyone off guard.
Legendary players like Thierry Henry have mastered this art. In 2012, playing for the New York Red Bulls, Henry curled the ball beautifully from the corner flag, watching as it bent its way into the goal against Columbus Crew. The sheer precision required to achieve this is what makes an Olimpico so special—it’s not just about power, but about control and finesse.
Notable Moments in Olimpico History
While the goal itself is rare, some moments in football history stand out as particularly memorable examples of an Olimpico. One of the most iconic took place during the 1962 FIFA World Cup, when Marcos Coll of Colombia managed to beat none other than Lev Yashin, the legendary Soviet goalkeeper, directly from a corner kick.
Considering that Yashin is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, the fact that he was beaten by an Olimpico only adds to the mystique of this moment.
Fast forward to more recent times, and players like James Ward-Prowse continue to show that the art of the Olimpico is very much alive.
In April 2024, Ward-Prowse scored a match-winning corner for West Ham United against Wolverhampton Wanderers, sending fans into a frenzy and proving that even in today’s game, the rare Olimpico can be a game-changer.
Tactical Genius or Stroke of Luck?
Is the Olimpico a stroke of luck or a mark of genius? The truth is, it’s often a combination of both. While the player needs to execute the corner kick perfectly, certain external factors can help, such as wind direction, poor positioning from defenders, or even an unsuspecting goalkeeper.
Take the example of Paul Owens, who famously scored two direct corners in one game for Coleraine, aided by strong winds. Or Katie Zelem, captain of Manchester United Women, who also managed to score two Olimpicos in a single match against Leicester City in 2022.
These instances show how a mixture of skill and the right conditions can turn a regular corner kick into an unforgettable moment.
The Enduring Appeal of the Olimpico
Even though the rules of the game have remained relatively consistent over the years, the Olimpico continues to fascinate both players and fans alike. It’s a goal that defies expectations, one that takes a seemingly routine set-piece and transforms it into a spectacular, game-changing moment.
Perhaps this is why, despite being a rarity, the Olimpico has endured in football for nearly a century. Players like Şükrü Gülesin, who holds the incredible record of scoring 32 direct goals from corners in his career, have turned this rare event into an art form.
Yet every Olimpico, whether it’s on the grand stage of a World Cup or during a rainy weekend league match, carries with it the same magic.
So the next time you watch a match and see a corner kick being lined up, remember: Can a player score directly from a corner? Absolutely. And if the conditions are right, you just might witness one of football’s most beautiful and unexpected moments—a goal that perfectly encapsulates the artistry and excitement of the beautiful game.
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