Soccer in Sun and Shadow

Goal by Zico

It was 1993. In Tokyo, Kashima was playing Tohoku for the Emperor’s Cup.

The Brazilian Zico, star of Kashima, scored the winning goal, the loveliest of his career. The ball reached the center on a cross from the right. Zico, who was in the semicircle, leaped forward. But he jumped too soon. When he realized the ball was behind him, he turned a somersault in midair and with his face to the ground he drove it in with his heel. It was a backward overhead volley.

“Tell me about that goal,” plead the blind.