Stephanie Roche in contention to win the Puskás Award for scoring the outstanding goal in world football.
It has been a whirlwind 15 months since Republic of Ireland international Stephanie Roche scored an exceptional goal while playing for Peamount United against Wexford Youths. This brilliant goal is one of three in contention to win the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Puskás Award.
Stephanie Roche is up against Manchester United Dutch striker Robin Van Persie and Real Madrid Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez as the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or most beautiful goal of the calendar year. The winner will be announced during the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala at the Kongresshalle in Zurich, Switzerland.
Stephanie Roche is in Zurich with her boyfriend Dean Zambra and her father Fergus Roche. Before the awards ceremony she mixes with some of the biggest names in football including Dutch internaional Ruud Gullit and former French international Thierry Henry.
Dean Zambra is in no doubt that Stephanie Roche should win the FIFA Puskás Award, as her goal is the best,
Technically, the skill involved.
Fergus Roche is amazed at the amount of international attention his daughter's goal has received,
This was like galaxies away.
For the crowd waiting outside the Kongresshalle, there is much debate over who will win the sixth FIFA Puskás Award. One supporter hopes Stephanie Roche will triumph but,
For a girl to be nominated it's just so good.
A young football fan thinks the Stephanie Roche goal is good but,
Rodríguez is the best one of this year.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 January 2015. The reporter is Jacqui Hurley.
