Dead ball stunners: where does de Jong's strike rank in FFA Cup free-kick folklore?
As far as debut goals go, you’ll be hard pressed to find one much better than this.
Siem de Jong picked his spot - and the perfect time and place – to open his Sydney FC account with a wonderful free-kick against Western Sydney Wanderers in Penrith last night.
The Dutchman’s strike would prove the killer blow for the Red and Black as the Sky Blues booked back to back FFA Cup Final tickets with a 3-0 Semi-Final win.
Has there been a better hit from a dead ball in the FFA Cup’s history? We’ve unlocked the archive and selected the best FFA Cup free-kicks ever seen in the competition.
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Siem de Jong against Western Sydney Wanderers, 2018
It was a strike that contains all the ingredients to remain on the FFA Cup top shelf for years to come.
A Semi-Final match against your hated rivals? Check. Distance? Check. Game in the balance? Check?
Sydney FC had been under the pump from their city rivals in the first half, but de Jong’s wonderful hit would be the sucker punch that punished the Wanderers and maintained the club’s derby hot streak.
Joey Gibbs against Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 2016
He’s not a man known for his prowess from the dead ball.
Rather, former Western Sydney Wanderer and current Blacktown City front man Joey Gibbs has made a name for himself by getting on the end of free-kick deliveries.
But in Blacktown’s Round of 16 clash against Bonnyrigg in 2016, Gibbs showed he’s got a trick or two up his sleeve with a cracking in-swinger at Lily’s Football Centre.
Gibbs’ strike was destined for the top right hand corner from the moment it left his boot.
Jordy Buijs against Melbourne City, 2017
Former Sydney FC defender Jordy Buijs was not your average hard-nosed centre back.
The Dutchman was one of a rare breed – a central defender able to marry formidable defensive prowess with subtle technical ability.
That was on full display when Buijs hit a sublime free kick against Melbourne City in the FFA Cup Quarter Finals last year.
Bradley Roberston against Hakoah Sydney City East, 2017
It might not have been enough to avoid an FFA Cup exit, but Bradley Roberston’s free-kick for Hills Brumbies against Hakoah Sydney City East will live long in the memory.
Robertson’s 80th minute strike soared through the air like an arrow and looked like a worthy match winner for the Brumbies at the time.
It wouldn’t be enough, however, with NPL NSW outfit Hakoah ultimately winning 6-3 in extra time to go through to the Round of 16.
Nebojsa Marinkovic against Bentleigh Greens, 2014
Few can strike a dead ball better than Nebojsa Marinkovic.
The ex-Perth Glory man rifled in free-kicks from all angles in the Hyundai A-League during his time in Western Australia, but a memorable effort arrived on the FFA Cup Semi Final stage against Bentleigh Greens.
It was a signature Marinkovic effort, with the Serbian's strike curled over the wall and into the top corner before bouncing down off the crossbar and back up into the roof of the net.
