World Cup 2018 best goal: Benjamin Pavard wins Fifa vote

Last updated on 25 July 2018.From the section World Cup266

Benjamin Pavard's stunning strike in France's World Cup last-16 victory over Argentina has been voted the best goal of the tournament in Russia.

The defender, who showed superb technique to fire into the top corner, received the most votes cast by three million fans on the Fifa website.

"I didn't even think about it. I just tried to get over it and keep it down," Pavard, 22, said after the game.

France beat Croatia 4-2 in the final to win the trophy for the second time.

Pavard added: "The ball bounced up as it came to me. I was trying to hit it in the direction it came from, which is what the strikers always tell me.

"When the ball went in I just felt so happy."

Juan Quintero's clever free-kick for Colombia against Japan came second...

...and Luka Modric's brilliant long-range strike for Croatia against Argentina was third.

.view-comments-button-wrapped-component {display: block !important;} .view-comments-button-wrapper {display: none !important;}

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

266 comments

Comment posted by CrimsonA3, at 17:05 25 Jul 2018
Worthy winner, absolute peach of a goal and scored in one of the best world cup matches ever.
Comment posted by My opinion counts, at 17:35 25 Jul 2018
Kane's header from 2 yards against Tunisia not even mentioned ? Pfffft
Comment posted by Parityfourall, at 17:15 25 Jul 2018
Some embarrassing Messi fanboys on here claiming his goal was the best. Next they will be claiming he was the star man of the World Cup. Get over yourselves. At least no-one has claimed Ronaldo scored goal of the tournament yet. Pavard was the deserved winner, that is why he won
Comment posted by Parityfourall, at 17:10 25 Jul 2018
What about Sterling’s great goal... oh wait
Comment posted by SickOfScareMongerers, at 17:06 25 Jul 2018
Really? I thought it would have surely been Harry Kanes deft back flick while not looking at the ball against Panama.
Comment posted by Luke95, at 17:06 25 Jul 2018
Definitely the best
Comment posted by Rich1979, at 17:46 25 Jul 2018
Can't believe no one's mentioned Ricardo Quaresma's goal for Portugal against Spain. An absolute peach.
Comment posted by Stulad, at 17:14 25 Jul 2018
Preferred Nacho
Comment posted by sportsfan, at 17:11 25 Jul 2018
Yep agree 100% - Belgiums goal was a good counter attack goal but this strike was fantastic. Also see a few joking re Kane's goals! Give us a break
Comment posted by --, at 17:10 25 Jul 2018
Great goal but Cheryshev scored absolutely stunning goals especially the one vs Croatia
Comment posted by U17037781, at 20:30 25 Jul 2018
I’m surprised England didn’t win a prize in the best goal competition, and I know France won the trophy but I really think England should have been mentioned more, especially as all the other teams lost and there just should have been a special prize for England for trying so hard and doing the best ever since the last time they tried really hard to win a prize. It’s just so upsetting!
Comment posted by jobymg33, at 18:37 25 Jul 2018
Edinson Cavani's header goal against Portugal should have been the best. He planned it with a cross from one edge of middle of the pitch to the other edge to Suares. Then reaching near the second post to receive Suares's cross with an astonishing header with a difficult angle with the neck. Kindly see it who has not seen it. then comment
Comment posted by Luke95, at 17:15 25 Jul 2018
17. Steven Gates

"@11 didn’t turn up for 2 games? He didn’t turn up for the last 4! "

A striker doesn't have to score to "turn up". Look at Giroud, didn't get a single goal but was class in other areas. Kane was anonymous against Belgium and Croatia I agree. But against Colombia he was class. They couldn't get near him. He held the ball up well and brought others into play.
Comment posted by Kerry, at 23:06 25 Jul 2018
Agree with the choice. Sweet as you like.

The most difficult goal was probably Messi’s. To take two touches on the run, the second one especially to take it away from the defender, only he could execute that.
Comment posted by U17086864, at 18:38 25 Jul 2018
Such a beautiful goal. Thoroughly deserved. The way it just goes in without hitting any posts or crossbar.

Sweeeeeeeet. Delicious goal.
Comment posted by Pablo, at 04:06 26 Jul 2018
Lots of great goals but Belgium winner against Japan, last minute, box to box in 6 seconds, slide rule pass & and step over takes some beating. Smacking the ball in the net always looks good though and in the moment have that wow factor.
Comment posted by late but on time, at 20:21 25 Jul 2018
Pavard's goal: Art in motion. IMO
Comment posted by U16699595, at 19:06 25 Jul 2018
Amazed that Harry Kanes penalties didnt feature no did his wonder goals against Panama was def world class. Did the judges not know that Harry is a National Treasure awaiting approval from UNESCO. Ridiculous decision
Comment posted by Steven Gates, at 17:12 25 Jul 2018
@11 didn’t turn up for 2 games? He didn’t turn up for the last 4!
Comment posted by Julio Laker, at 17:04 25 Jul 2018
Not Harry Kane's fluke against Panama?