This Volley Thunderbolt From Halle Has to Be Goal of the Month!

Seriously, folks, what on earth was that? Anyone who was at the Kurt-Wabbel-Stadion this weekend will back me up: The ball comes in from the side, our striker meets it on the volley – and bang! It's unstoppable, right in the top corner. Chemnitzer FC were already beaten on the night, but this strike was the icing on the cake. A proper Goal of the Month contender. The whole place erupted; I ended up hugging some complete stranger next to me. You don't forget moments like that.

One for the ages: The Sportschau Goal of the Month from Halle

It's only the start of the month, but I'm going to stick my neck out: This one has to be right at the top of the voting for the Sportschau Goal of the Month. That blend of pure power and technique – it was world-class. A strike like that is exactly why we love football. I bet even Leonie Maier, who's bagged a few Goals of the Month and even the odd Goal of the Year herself, would have appreciated this. Her goals were often those delicate, skilful efforts; this one had more brute force – but both have that certain something special that knocks you off your feet.

And I also thought of Klaus Schwarze. The commentator who graced our screens for decades would have gone absolutely crackers. He voiced so many highlights reels, but he lived for moments like these. This goal would have been right up his street.

Why this strike is so special

You can't say it enough: This wasn't just any old goal. It was footballing art. And here's why we've got to celebrate the scorer:

• The technical execution: To take a ball on the volley like that, swivelling, and then place it so perfectly – that's not something just anyone can do. That's top-drawer stuff, straight out of the coaching manual.
• The moment: It made it 3-0 in a derby against Chemnitz. The ground was packed, the atmosphere was electric. To keep your cool in that situation and unleash a finish like that – that's the mark of the greats.
• The reaction: When even the opposition fans pause for a second and maybe even applaud, you know you've witnessed something special. That's exactly what happened here.

Hallescher FC put in a strong overall performance on the day. It was a comfortable home win against Chemnitz, a solid team display. But that one goal, that's the one that'll linger. It's the hot favourite for the vote. Sure, the competition is fierce. The Bundesliga serves up great goals every weekend. But I'm telling you: This one has what it takes to go all the way. Who knows, maybe it'll even be in with a shout for Goal of the Year. Fingers crossed!