Kenny Cunningham likened it to John Barnes’ goal against Brazil at the Maracanã.
Irish football fans debating whether Troy Parrott or Michael Obafemi scored the best international goal in years have a new contender to consider. Step forward Nathan Collins.
The Burnley man, who can play midfield and in defence, has impressed on Nations League duty over the past 10 days for Stephen Kenny’s side. Sitting in the centre of the Irish defence against Ukraine in Lodz, this evening, he stepped out and went on a slaloming run that ended with an incredible finish.
With the game tied at 0-0, Collins stepped in to break up a Ukranian attack, beat a couple of players then kept going. He dropped a shoulder and jinked left before coolly finishing with the outside of his boot.
Over on RTE, former Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham said it was an “absolutely phenomenal” goal, and compared it top a mazy run by former Liverpool and England star John Barnes against Brazil, in 1994.
Just for yourself. First up, this peach of a run and finish from Nathan Collins.
Nathan Collins has scored one of the all-time great Ireland goals ☘️#UKRIRL pic.twitter.com/4EZZuEgDMK
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 14, 2022
“Now that is something special,” declared the Premier Sports commentator as Collins celebrated his first international goal.
And here is John Barnes leading the Brazilians on a merry dance at the Maracanã.
Two class goals.
In the space of a few days, Irish football has contributed three strikes to rival that Barnes beauty, and any other goal on the world stage.
