It was not to be for Stephanie Roche in Switzerland last night as the Puskas Award for which she had made the final three was awarded instead to James Rodriguez.
His stunning strike for Colombia against Uruguay in the World Cup garnered 42% of the total three million votes to be cast.
Roche, who had been supported by a strong campaign through Irish sport came in a clear second with 33%, representing over one million votes. Man United star Robin Van Persie was third of the shortlisted final three.
The ceremony, where Christiano Ronaldo won his third Ballon D’Or as World Footballer of the Year, and Nadine Kessler landed the Women’s award, was shown live on RTE’s web service and was followed by many through social media as well.
Roche was clearly disappointed when the decision was announced by French international Christian Karembeau. That will only have been fleeting though and when she reflects on the worldwide coverage she has generated for herself and for Women’s soccer over recent months she can be justifiably proud.
The goal itself was great but equally good has been the poise with which she has handled the world’s media spotlight.
That it now moves on, and that the focus will switch to the Women’s World Cup where Ireland sadly did not make it this summer, will leave Roche wistful but it is hoped that the next step in her career will be a positive one and that she can find the energy to continue being such a positive role model for young women.
Speaking to RTE Sport after the ceremony Roche said “I suppose [I’m feeling] disappointment. As a footballer I would like to have won the award. But right now I just want to take the chance to thank everybody back at home who did vote for me. The support has been unbelievable.”
“Being the first Irish person to get here, and also being the first female, has been fantastic.
“Colombia is an awful lot bigger than Ireland, so to have got that close means a lot to me. So, again, thank you to everyone who did vote.”
“It’s been a crazy, crazy ride. I’ve done so much stuff that I probably wouldn’t have done if the goal hadn’t been videoed, so I suppose it’s been brilliant.”
Next stop now La Manga with the Irish team and a friendly game against Norway on Thursday.
The qualifying stage for the 2017 European Championships get under way for Ireland next September and the draw for who they will play will take place on 13th April.
Image credit: RTE
