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SINGULAR STRIKE In the ascent to the peak of his powers, Ronaldo scored several splashy goals, but perhaps none as jaw-dropping as the one he scored to win a UEFA Champions League match for Manchester United in 2009. The play came early in the road match against Porto. Ronaldo took a pass about 40 yards from the Porto goal, controlling it with his right instep. He used his next touch to flick it slightly ahead and to his right. Then, with a three-step runup, Ronaldo hammered the ball with his right foot, driving a perfect strike into the upper left portion of the goal, just beyond the outstretched fingertips of the leaping Porto keeper. The goal was all United needed that day, as it held up for a 1-0 victory. Not only did the goal win the match, but it also won the inaugural FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.

Ronaldo’s magnificent strike secures victory for his team.

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Greatest Moments