Laurent Blanc describes Stephanie Roche's goal as "beautiful and magnificent"

Stephanie Roche is up for FIFA goal of the year

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has described Stephanie Roche's goal of the year contender as "beautiful and magnificent".

The former Manchester United and France defender also said that it was shame there were not more fans present to see the wonder goal and did not commit as to whether he thinks Roche will win the FIFA Puskás Award.

"It's beautiful, magnificent, pity there wasn't more of an atmosphere (crowd) to celebrate it a bit more," said Blanc.

"I don't know if she's going to win the prize, we'll see, but her goal is very beautiful, if it had been in a Champions League final (women) or in a match with 100,000 spectators it would have caused a sensation."

But Roche herself wants people to vote for her because it is the best goal, not because she is a woman.

“I don’t want to sound cocky but I’d like to believe I’m there on merit,” she said this week.

“I’d just like to be recognised for the goal and not just for my gender."

Roche wants her strike to be considered within the game of football as a whole, not just the women's league.

“I think the technique of the goal should be looked at for what it is. I’d like for everybody to look at it as a goal - and not just as a woman’s football goal,” she added.

You can vote for Stephanie's goal here: www.fifa.com

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