Hulk is up to some incredible new tricks.
Zenit St. Petersburg striker Hulk scored a stunning long-range goal Thursday in his team’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. The only reasons Hulk’s strike isn’t dominating headlines is that he is prone to such feats of strength, and the goal didn’t ultimately push Zenit past the reigning Europa League winners into the semifinals.
Sevilla’s defense was well-positioned when Hulk gained possession of the ball 40 yards from Sevilla’s goal in the 72nd minute. Like almost everybody else, Sevilla goalkeeper Beto probably didn’t imagine Hulk would shoot from the sideline. But Hulk did just that, lofting his shot over Beto’s head, off the crossbar and into the goal.
Soccer fans have grown accustomed to seeing Hulk powerfully fire home goals from near and far. The Brazilian forward showed a more delicate touch in front of home fans at Petrovsky Stadium this time.
Hulk’s goal gave Zenit a 2-1 lead in the game and a 3-2 lead on aggregate in the series, but Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro scored a late goal to crush Zenit’s dreams of winning the Europa League.
Zenit still looks like a safe bet to win the Russian Premier League this season, so Hulk shouldn’t be too angry with his team’s trophy haul.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@AccaTrackerTM
