Lamela 'rabona' strike becomes global web sensation

Tottenham Hotspur striker Erik Lamela shot to the front of the queue for the world goal of the year Friday after his "rabona" wonder strike in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old Argentine became a global Internet sensation with his audacious goal in Spurs' 5-1 win over Greek side Asteras Tripolis, wrapping his left foot around his right leg to shoot the ball in from 20 metres.
Bookmakers made Lamela an immediate favourite to win FIFA's Puskas award for the goal of the year.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hailed the club's record 30 million pound ($48 million, 38 million euros) signing who has been slow to make an impact in the Premier League.
"It was a very big goal, a great goal, an unbelievable goal. I am happy for him and it helped us to get the three points," Pochettino said.
It was probably "the best" goal by one of his players, the manager added.
"He practises it every day in training. It is a goal only a player with his skill can score," Pochettino said.
"Goals like this are just an instinctive thing, I got lucky. Maybe my right foot is not very good so I had to use my left," Lamela said on Tottenham's website.
"I don't know how to explain it. It's just a split second decision –- I didn't really think about the situation," he added.
Lamela astounded other Premier League figures however.
Spurs striker Harry Kane, who hit a hat-trick in the game, said: "It was crazy. He's got that (the rabona) in his locker and it was great for him to do it on the big stage."
Former England striker Michael Owen said on Twitter: "My word. That Lamela goal was outrageous!!!"
Dormer England captain Gary Lineker added: "If there's a better goal scored this season than Erik Lamela's then I can't wait to see it."
Another former England striker, Peter Crouch, called Lamela's shot "the ultimate showboat".
The rabona was reportedly first carried out by another Argentine Ricardo Infante in 1948. Diego Maradona, Roberto Baggio and Gianfranco Zola have all carried out the feat in a game.
Lamela also scored one for River Plate in the Argentinian championship.
The Argentine, who has had a hard time winning over fans since his high profile move from Roma last year, became an internet sensation with videos of his goal getting millions of views.
But he remained out of the spotlight after his strike.
"Happy with the win, I want to dedicate my goals to my family, my girlfriend and all Spurs fans who supported me at all times," he said on Twitter.
Spurs' win put them level with Besiktas at the top of Group C in the Europa League.
Source: AFP