While Kroos’ strike was extraordinary, goals scored directly
from corners, known as “Olympic Goals,” are not unprecedented. Legends such as
Garrincha, Lothar Matthäus, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, and Diego Forlán have
achieved this rare feat, with Garrincha famously doing so four times during his
illustrious career. Yet, the origins of this phenomenon trace back to a
lesser-known figure in football history: Cesáreo Onzari.
Cesáreo Onzari: The
Pioneer of the Olympic Goal
On October 2, 1924, Cesáreo Onzari, an Argentine
left-winger, forever changed the game. During an international friendly against
Uruguay, the reigning Olympic champions, Onzari scored directly from a corner
kick in the 15th minute—a striking coincidence with Kroos’ goal last night. The
ball curved elegantly into the net without being touched by another player,
stunning both the crowd and the Uruguayan team.
This moment of brilliance was dubbed the "Gol
Olímpico" or “Olympic Goal,” a nod to Uruguay’s status as Olympic
champions. The goal was made possible by a recent amendment to the rules by the
International Football Association Board (IFAB) on June 24, 1924, which allowed
goals to be scored directly from corner kicks.
The match itself was fraught with tension. Argentina emerged
victorious with a 2–1 scoreline, but the game ended in controversy. With just
four minutes remaining, the Uruguayan players walked off the field, citing
aggressive behaviour from the Argentine players and unruly spectators who
allegedly threw bottles at them. The bitterness surrounding the match only
added to the legendary status of Onzari’s goal, cementing it as a defining
moment in football history.
Debunking Myths and
Recognizing Milestones
Although FIFA credits Billy Alston of Scotland with scoring
the first goal from a corner on August 21, 1924, historical records clarify
that Alston’s goal was a header scored a year earlier, on August 23, 1923. The
first documented direct goal from a corner in English football came from
Huddersfield Town’s Billy Smith on October 24, 1924, during a match against
Arsenal.
The phenomenon of Olympic Goals has since transcended eras
and geographies. Şükrü Gülesin, a Turkish player, holds the Guinness World
Record for scoring an astonishing 32 goals directly from corners during the
1950s. In the context of global tournaments, Megan Rapinoe’s stunning strike
against Canada in the 2012 Olympic semifinals marked the first Olympic Goal at
the Olympic Games, while Marco Coll’s audacious effort against Lev Yashin in the
1962 FIFA World Cup became the first of its kind on that stage.
Onzari’s Legacy
Cesáreo Onzari’s contributions to football extend beyond his
historic goal. A one-club man for much of his career, he represented Club
Atlético Huracán from 1921 to 1933, scoring 67 goals in 212 appearances. On the
international stage, Onzari played 15 matches for Argentina, netting five goals
and winning the Campeonato Sudamericano in 1925. That same year, he briefly
joined Boca Juniors for their European tour, showcasing his talents to an
international audience.
Onzari retired in 1933, leaving behind a legacy of
innovation and excellence. His passing on January 6, 1964, marked the end of an
era, but his name endures in football folklore as the pioneer of the Olympic
Goal.
The Art and Significance
of the Olympic Goal
The rarity of the Olympic Goal lies in its combination of
precision, power, and ingenuity. It is a testament to a player’s ability to
read the game, exploit defensive lapses, and execute with surgical accuracy.
Beyond its technical brilliance, such a goal encapsulates the spirit of
football: creativity, audacity, and the pursuit of the extraordinary.
Toni Kroos’ moment of magic in Saudi Arabia serves as a modern reminder of the timeless allure of the Olympic Goal. While football evolves with time, moments like these bridge the past and present, paying homage to trailblazers like Cesáreo Onzari while inspiring future generations to dream big and dare boldly.
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