We all love a thirty yard shot that swirls through the air in a seemingly physcis defying trajectory before nearly bursting the top corner of the net. We all love the mazy dribble that starts on the wing as a seemingly hopeless endeavour but after one or two unfathomable shifts of weight and speed later is an accelerating example of the beauty and imagination of the game.
But, what we also love, is a good howler. A solid, hilarious missing of an open goal. So long as you aren’t emotionally invested in the striker not being entirely hopeless at the most basic of tasks expected of him then the open goal miss will have you screaming at the TV, shaking your head in disbelief and then gradually losing yourself in convulsive laughter as the replays get shown again, and again, and again…
So, in that vein of cruel fun at a hopeless striker’s expense, this week has been a rare treat for fans of the farcical as we have been granted two of the most ridiculous, unimaginable howlers you’re ever likely to see.
Exhibit A, Monday: Harold Reina (pictured) of The Strongest, Bolivia
The defenders don’t even have the heart to call him on the hand ball
Exhibit B, Tuesday: Luke Varney, Leeds
Varney actually had a fine game last night, but the miss won’t be forgotten soon. Neil Warnock told LUTV “I thought Luke Varney was excellent, despite the miss of the century.”
It’s almost worth pointing out here that Varney is in white. He was supposed to score that, not clear it.
Thanks to 101greatgoals.com for the clip