Serbian football's fourth tier has contributed little to the world game - until now. Footage of a truly astonishing attempt at goal during a match in the Belgrade Zone League has prompted many observers to call off the search for the "worst ever miss".
The striker's identity is unknown - which is just as well, given the gargantuan nature of his error. Despite having an open goal and no other player anywhere near him, the mystery man spoons an almost stationary ball over the bar from less than a yard out.
Kind observers suggest the ball bobbled at the crucial moment, but the striker still had plenty of work to do to get the ball over the bar.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
To be fair, the miss was the final, remarkable act in a comedy of errors that featured a botched back pass and terrible ball control from the goalkeeper, setting up the chance for the anonymous forward.
The clip emerged on the same day Fifa unveiled its shortlist for goal of the season, says the Daily Telegraph, which suggests the footage shows a "contender for the miss of the century".
"Among those to have suffered embarrassment on the Premier League stage are Kanu, Rosenthal and Fernando Torres, who somehow missed an open goal at Old Trafford," reports the Daily Mail. "The outstanding moment will certainly live long in the memory and outshines any miss witnessed in the Premier League."
-
Quiz of The Week: 23 – 29 AugustQuiz Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
The Week Unwrapped: Could robotic dogs help clear landmines?Podcast Plus, what can we learn from a new approach to urban renewal? And how much power rests with political spouses?
-
Six major costs to cut as children go back to schoolSchool supplies can be pricey but there are ways to keep costs down
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden bootfeature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
