Top 10 long-range goals

Bobby Charlton vs Mexico, 1966

Charlton's scud missile against Mexico in '66 is the stuff of legends. The sheer pace generated on the ball is frightening, as Charlton unleashes from all of 30 yards. This goal can be described in one word. Screamer.

Ronnie Radford vs Newcastle, 1972

These days it has become a cliché to emphasise the romance of the FA Cup, especially in its current corporatised state – but once upon a time it did truly mean something. A perfect example is Ronnie Radford's wonder-strike for non-league Hereford against First Division Newcastle. The goal itself is remarkable but the fan's reaction makes it a truly special moment.

Arie Haan vs Italy, 1978

Similar in style to Ronaldo's strike against Porto, Arie Haan's goal against Italy in the 1978 World Cup helped Holland to a 2-1 victory. Haan picks the ball up 40 yards out, takes aim, and lashes it into the net – extra points are awarded for beating one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Dino Zoff, who was well beaten.

Josimar vs Northern Ireland, 1986

Poor old Northern Ireland. The lads probably think they have Brazil contained, with everyone behind the ball. It seems there's no way through the packed Irish defence, until Josimar, acknowledges his team are going nowhere fast and decides to bypass the entire Irish team with a wonder-woot into the top left.

Matt Le Tissier vs Blackburn, 1994

To be honest you could pick any one of about a dozen Le Tissier goals to include in this list – he was that good. My own personal favourite is the above strike against Blackburn. Le Tiss picks the ball up, nonchalantly dribbles past a couple of awe-struck defenders before launching a shot past Tim Flowers.

Clarence Seedorf vs Atletico Madrid, 1997

First impressions of Clarence Seedorf's goal against Villarreal may lead you to believe it defies the laws of physics. Just how can he score from there? Wait for the replay and you'll soon discover... Still, it deserves its place in the list for the audacity alone.

David Beckham vs Deportivo La Coruna, 2002

You can't have a proper top 10 long-shots without Becks. Although his Wimbledon heroics haven't made the cut, in that it was more a lob than a bullet, this little beauty against Deportivo in the Champions League is surely worthy of a place. Jose Molina didn't even move.

Steven Gerrard vs West Ham, 2006

Whenever Liverpool are desperate for a goal, Steven Gerrard has the uncanny knack of popping up and obliging. He did it famously against Olympiakos, and he did it equally as importantly against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final. 3-2 down with only seconds left to play, Liverpool needed a miracle, and their talisman duly provided.

Maxi Rodriguez vs Mexico, 2006

Argentina's match with Mexico looked like it was heading towards a penalty shoot-out until Maxi Rodriguez produced one of the goals of the tournament. Receiving a cross-field pass from Juan Pablo Sorin he neatly controlled it on his chest before firing a left-foot shot into the far corner.

Paul Scholes vs Barcelona, 2008

Paul Scholes has made a career out of scoring absolute screamers. While the ginger ninja has a back catalogue of wonder goals to die for, this strike in last year's Champions League semi-final is surely up there with the best of them - especially when you consider the magnitude of the occasion and the sweetness of contact.