Marco van Basten vs USSR — Euro 1988 (Included as Peak)

Roberto Carlos's free-kick for Brazil against France in the 1997 Tournoi de France — a precursor to World Cup analysis — is included here as one of the most physically impossible strikes ever recorded. From 35 metres, the ball initially flew so far wide of the goal that the ball boy ducked. Physics dictates it should have continued wide. Instead it swerved violently back, struck the inside of the post and went in. Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez stood rooted, unable to comprehend what had happened. Physicists have since confirmed it defied conventional aerodynamic expectations.