Greatest free-kick ever? Liverpool conceded unreal strike vs South China in 2007

Back in 2017, Liverpool were on the other end of a truly extraordinary free-kick during their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Reds, managed by Rafa Benitez, travelled to Hong Kong to take part in the 2007 Premier League Asia Trophy.

The four-team tournament consisted of Liverpool, Portsmouth, Fulham and Hong Kong outfit, South China.

Liverpool were drawn to face South China in the semi-finals.

Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead in front of 36,801 fans at the Hong Kong Stadium.

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John Arne Riise scored the opener after 10 minutes, with Xabi Alonso then netting from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark.

But South China halved the deficit in extraordinary circumstances after 35 minutes played.

The now Hong Kong first division side were given a free-kick some 40 yards out.

Li Haiqiang stepped up and it looked all for the world that he would cross the ball into the box.

But the midfielder had other ideas.

Haiqiang decided he was going to have a pop at goal. His left-footed strike deceived an unsuspecting Scott Carson and nestled into the top corner.

A video of the goal on Reddit described it as the ‘greatest unknown free kick goal’ and you can view it below…

And you can watch highlights of the game, which finished 3-1 to Liverpool, in the below video… (free-kick at 6:28)

What a strike. The audacity from Haiqiang to have a pop from there was something else.

Full credit to him for pulling it off. The video of his goal attracted much attention and you can view some reaction below…

Liverpool will return to pre-season on Monday 4 July, 2022.

The Reds will play matches in Thailand and Singapore as part of their pre-season tour.

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