A-League: Stunning scorpion kick goal could be in line for international award

One of the best goals in A-League history could vie for an international award.

Ben Garuccio celebrates his wonder goal. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

Ben Garuccio “face-planted horribly” in training when the Western United fullback first attempted the move that he executed in stunning fashion to produce one of the greatest goals in A-League history on Sunday.

Late in Western United’s 3-2 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, the United fullback scored a goal with an incredible scorpion kick after somehow contorting his body to get on the end of teammate Aleksandar Prijovic’s cross.

With the ball set to land behind him, Garuccio swung his left leg at the ball, catching the ball cleanly with his heel and beating Wanderers shot-stopper Daniel Margush at his near post for his second goal of the evening.

“It was unbelievable, to be honest,” Garuccio said.

“I was happy to score the first one to be honest because it is not often that I score goals.

“It was the spur of the moment. Alex (Prijovic), got it and I saw a little gap and I just ran and he played a top ball and I just stuck my leg up basically and I thought if I can get any sort of connection on this it will be all right.

A goal worth waiting years for 🤯🔥

Ben Garuccio's creativity will be remembered for years and years, coming up with this AUDACIOUS scorpion goal. 🦂

Live details: https://t.co/PPUUwvci8V#WUNvWSW on @ParamountPlusAU#[e-mail]/YmtoqySjza

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 20, 2022

“It actually hit my heel nice and flush and I was like that‘s a good connection but I couldn’t see it and I looked up and it was in the net.

“It just felt like I got a good connection on it because I did one in training a couple of weeks ago and I face-planted horribly and everyone laughed at me.”

Garuccio‘s goal was reminiscent of fellow Ausse Riley McGree’s scorpion kick goal for Newcastle Jets back in April 2018 that was nominated for a Puskas award – an award handed out to the player who scores the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the calendar year in world football.

His coach, John Aloisi, believes Garuccio may be in line for a potential nomination while also paying tribute to his overall performance and season thus far.

“I didn’t actually realise how he hit it,” Aloisi said.

“I saw the action and I saw Alex put a beautiful ball in and then all of a sudden I see the ball in the back of the net.

"I've seen it four times and I still don't believe it."

Come for the 🦂 goal. Stay for the commentary 😅

A Sunday special from @Bengaruccio 👏pic.twitter.com/B3dFgyZfgc

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) February 20, 2022

“I didn‘t know if he did a bicycle kick or what until I saw it back on the screen. I just couldn’t believe it.

“He’s probably in line for a Puskas award... so let’s hope he gets that.

“It was a top performance from Benny Garuccio and he scored two goals but he‘s been great all season. He’s really come a long way since a couple of seasons ago he had that serious ACL injury.

“I’m so happy for him tonight.”

Garuccio, however, played down his Puskas hopes stating he was happier that his side were able to come away with three points.

“I don’t really think about that (winning the Puskas) too much,” Garuccio said.

“At the end of the day, I‘m just happy that the boys won first and foremost and obviously it’s a nice feeling,

“It’s an unbelievable goal. It’s probably the best I’ve ever scored in my career.”