The International Football Association (FIFA) expressed its admiration for the goal scored by Eastleigh striker Danny Whitehall with a free kick before the midfield line against its host Southend United in the English fifth division competitions.
And the FIFA account on Twitter republished the goal, commenting, “Can this (the goal) compete for the Puskas Prize” awarded by the International Federation of the game for the best goal?
“We’ve seen many targets from long distances, and this is one of our favourites,” he added.
Could this be a #Puskas contender, ask @EastleighFC.
We’ve seen a few long rangers. This is one of our favourites. Some hit by @DannyWhitehall1. Boof.????????pic.twitter.com/vQioSr2DnJ
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) August 29, 2022
Eastleigh FC responded to the FIFA tweet, saying: “Okay, watch the goal again, because FIFA wanted it.”
And the official account of Eastleigh club on Twitter published a video of the goal scored by Whitehall in the 77th minute, after his team was behind with a goal to nothing.
And Eastley got a direct free kick from the middle of the field, and Whitehall rushed the ball straight towards Southend United, taking advantage of the goalkeeper’s advance.
The goalkeeper tried to stop the ball, but did not succeed, and the ball entered the net, announcing the equalizing goal.
Okay, just one more watch of this goal… because @FIFAcom said so! ???????? https://t.co/7yt2nLKTdM
— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) August 30, 2022
And Danny Whitehall returned to score the second goal for Eastleigh in the added time of the match, and from a direct free kick as well, to end the meeting with a 2-1 victory for the hosts.