Shomurodov Goal Nominated for Best of World Cup Group Stage

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has launched a global fan vote on its official website to determine the best goal scored during the group stage of the World Cup.

A total of 215 goals were scored during the preliminary stage of the tournament, from which the organization's expert panel shortlisted the 12 most spectacular and technically challenging goals. The nominees include a goal by Eldor Shomurodov, the forward and captain of the Uzbekistan national team.

The nominated goal was scored in the 10th minute of the third-round Group K match against DR Congo, which took place at the stadium in Atlanta, United States.

During the play, Shomurodov capitalized on a misunderstanding in the African team's defense, lifting a left-footed chip over the advanced goalkeeper from a very tight angle.

Analytical agencies later recorded that the strike was the least likely to result in a goal based on the expected goals mathematical model, registering an xG metric of just 0.013.

According to the regulations published by the FIFA press service, the selection process will be organized in several stages. In the opening round, football fans worldwide have exactly 48 hours to vote for their preferred goal on the federation's official digital platform.

Subsequent elimination rounds for the nominees will be launched sequentially following the conclusion of the round of 16 matches, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the World Cup final.

Uzbek and international fans can vote to support Shomurodov's achievement on the official FIFA media platforms.