James Rodriguez beats Stephanie Roche for Puskas award

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie was third for his diving header against Spain in the World Cup.

Roche, who scored a stunner for Peamount against Wexford in the Irish top flight, had hoped to be the first female winner of the Puskas Award.

She landed 33% of the public vote to Rodriguez's 42% of the 3.3m cast.

She tweeted afterwards: "Very Proud to receive 1.1million votes. Congrats to James. A fantastic experience & thanks to everyone (across the world) for your support!"

Rodriguez's control and volley from 25 yards in the last-16 tie was enough to win the award. The 23-year-old, then at Monaco, was the top scorer in the World Cup and joined Real Madrid after the tournament.

Roche's spectacular effort in the Bus Eireann Women's National League was in front of an estimated 95 people on 13 October 2013.

She received the ball with her back to goal, took a touch on her right foot, flicked the ball over a defender's head with her left foot and then swivelled and volleyed home from outside the box.

Manchester United striker Van Persie was shortlisted for his stunning equaliser during the Netherland's 5-1 rout over Spain in Brazil last summer. He met Daley Blind's crossfield pass with a 15-yard header that looped over a despairing Iker Casillas.

(BBC)