Essien`s goal nominated …for Puskas Award

FIFA has announced the ten goals nominated for the Puskas Award given to the scorer of the best goal of the year.

The winner will be chosen by votes cast on the FIFA website, and criteria for the award include the quality of the goal, and the importance of the match in which it was scored.

Among the goals nominated are Fernando Torres' strike for Liverpool against Blackburn Rovers, and Michael Essien's effort against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.

Meanwhile, Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor's Champions League goal for Arsenal against Villarreal also makes the list.

The ten goals nominated for the award are as follows Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City) Arsenal v Villarreal, Champions League April 7, 2009.

Eliran Atar (Bnei Yehuda) Bnei v Maccabi Netanya, February 7, 2009.

Michael Essien (Chelsea) Chelsea v Barcelona, Champions League, March 6, 2009.

Grafite (Wolsfburg) Wolsfburg v Bayern Munich, April 4, 2009.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) Barcelona v Chelsea, Champions League, March 6, 2009.

Luis Angel Landin (Cruz Azul) Cruz v Morelia, April 12, 2009.

Katlego Mphela (South Africa) South Africa v Spain, June 28, 2009.

Nilmar (Villarreal) International v Corinthians, May 10, 2009.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Man Utd v Porto, Champions League, April 15, 2009.

Fernando Torres (Liverpool) Liverpool v Blackburn, April 11, 2009