Football’s Greatest Goals No.34
This week’s ‘Greatest Goal’ was scored by the mercurial Mark Hughes in a World Cup Qualifier for Wales against Spain.
The match was played at the Racecourse Ground, home of Wrexham on 30th April 1985 and the home side won 3-0.
Wales were 1-0 up after Ian Rush had given Wales the lead in the first half with a tap in from a yard out after a mix-up in the Spanish defence.
The second half was just seven minutes old when Mark Hughes thumped in an volley to double Wales’ lead over a strong Spain side that had reached the final of Euro ’84 the previous summer.
Peter Nicholas lofted a high free kick in from wide on the right. A Spanish defender jumped up and headed the ball away from goal but Mark Hughes raced in to try his luck from about 15 yards out.
The Manchester United striker jumped up with both feet off the ground before swiveling his hips and sweeping his right foot at the ball. He caught the volley perfectly and it flew high into the top corner of the net, giving Spanish goalkeeper Arconada no chance. It remains one of the greatest goals in Welsh international football history.
The acrobatic scissor kick volley soon became a trademark for Mark ‘Sparky’ Hughes and must have made quite the impression in Spain as he joined Barcelona the following year.
Sadly for Wales, the 3-0 victory over Spain didn’t help them to qualify for the World Cup in Mexico the following year. Spain topped their group and Wales finished third, missing out on qualification by a single point.
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