Shaw picks favourite World Cup goal
We asked Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw to select his favourite World Cup goal, before the tournament kicked off in Qatar.
The defender gave it some thought before electing for a startling diving header by Robin van Persie at the 2014 finals in Brazil.
The goal, for the Netherlands in a 5-1 belting of Spain in the group stage, was the equaliser after Xabi Alonso's opener and illuminated the tournament.
📅 15 years ago today, Robin van Persie scored his first international goal
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 8, 2020
🇳🇱 He ended his career as @OnsOranje's record scorer, having added 49 more
🤔 Was this the pick of the bunch, @Persie_Official? pic.twitter.com/SEX0tdN9qH
With a minute to go before half-time, Daley Blind arrowed a sensational diagonal ball towards van Persie, who had timed his run perfectly to get in behind Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba.
Presented with the opportunity, the striker reacted instinctively, lunging forward to loop his diving header over the bemused Iker Casillas.
As he high-fived the incoming United boss Louis van Gaal on the touchline, given Blind's assist, it was very much a goal that was shared by the Reds.
"I think one that sticks in my mind, obviously because I think at the time at they were both actually at Manchester United, was Daley Blind and Robin van Persie," Shaw told us.
"I think that goal was unbelievable. Daley was so happy with his pass, he talked about it when he was here. I think I’d have to pick that goal because it was an extremely incredible goal.”
Shaw: It's always a massive honour
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Shaw will hope to build on his impressive performance in England's 6-2 beating of Iran in the nation's World Cup opener, when the Three Lions take on USA in Friday night's contest.
Victory would guarantee a place in the knockout stages for Gareth Southgate's men, with a game to spare, as Wales lie in wait in the final group fixture next Tuesday.