07 July 2016

How high did Cristiano Ronaldo jump for his header against Wales?

A historic goal by the numbers

My article for MARCA





It was a goal that seemed to defy the laws of gravity, as Cristiano Ronaldo's header for Portugal against Wales has been measured to place the player's leap in proper perspective.

The Daily Mail has calculated the numbers behind what proved the decisive goal in the semi-final.

To make the connection and even get to the ball, the Real Madrid man had to lift himself some 76.2 centimetres off the grass, reaching a maximum height of 2.61 metres. 

To put that into perspective, that's a whole 17 centimetres higher than the crossbar, indeed, as high as a basketball net.And those aren't the only statistics that marked it out as a truly special finish.

The ball then headed towards the Welsh goal at the speed of 71.3 km/hr, leaving the goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy powerless to stop it.


For both the leap and the power generated, it's clear that Ronaldo is something unique in the world of football.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE AT MARCA IN ENGLISH

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