*a prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages

It is not everyday when my favourite player goes up against my favourite team. It gets even better. My favourite team wins, & my favourite player shines despite being on the losing side. Perfect.

Here Kaka reduces Manchester United defenders Vidic & Evra to colliding shambles, with amazing 1st & 2nd touches to score. Certainly one to remember.

I like Kaka. From when I first saw him as a Brazilian sub at the 2002 World Cup, he has far surpassed the initial Eye Candy tag to be a deadly playmaker. But I still maintain that good looks do not matter on a football pitch. All that matters is flair and skills.

Here’s my list memorable soccer moments.

Memorable Soccer Moments

Giggs & his superb solo run, a crucial goal too in FA cup extra-time against Arsenal, during the awesome 98/99 season. I think my heart popped in joy when he scored.

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Japanese commentators describe him using the terms Dynomito & Sensei. They are probably right. Roberto Carlos puts an amazing spin on his freekick to leave Barthez with no chance. Zilch.

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I did not see this one live, as this happened before I happened. 1986 World Cup, the nimble & tiny Maradona leaves the England squad in his wake. Surely he was the El Nino then.

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I jumped when Beckham scored this clever potshot. As they say, the ball always ends up behind the net when you’re good. Similarly, the boot will end up on your forehead if you’re not. Oh Man U…

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Rene Higuita with his unbelievable specialty a la the Scorpion Kick. I used to find his long, curly mane & the fact that he looked like a lion, most amusing.

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Oh dear. Very painful goal, & a very painful season following the Treble victory. I bet the gum in Fergie’s mouth might have crumbled to dust when he saw this.

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Honourable mention to Messi’s wonder dribble against Getafe, Ronaldinho’s freekick that fell into England’s goal at an angle impossible for Seaman and the many heart-stopping efforts by Ronaldo the Brazilian.

And now Ronaldo, the annoying Portugese winger with skills to match his arrogance, has arrived. I can’t say I mind the goals.