Belchior takes the prize

The Portuguese beach soccer striker came out on top in FIFA.com's inaugural Goal of the Year competition, Belchior's wonder strike pipping the 14 other contenders selected from all the FIFA competitions held in 2008.

His stunning finish came in the first round game against El Salvador at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Marseille 2008. After bringing a headed pass under control, he feinted to shoot before flicking the ball up in the air and executing the perfect scissor-kick. A stunning goal worthy of first place.

Flying the flag for the women's game in second place was USA forward Alex Morgan. The winner of the adidas Silver Ball and adidas Bronze Shoe at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Chile 2008, Morgan capped a slaloming run with a long-range drive into the top corner in the final against Korea DPR, a super solo effort that also proved to be the winner.

Taking third place on the podium was Amarelle, the star of Spain's beach soccer team. The classy forward showed what he is capable of in the group game against Japan, running onto a long throw-out from goalkeeper Roberto and hitting a first-time overhead kick from an impossible angle. Despite being stationed at his near post, there was nothing the Japanese keeper could do to prevent the thunderbolt from nestling in the back of the net.

So there you have it; a trio of goals fit to win any goal of the year competition. Our thanks to all of you for casting your votes and don't forget to log on for all the exciting FIFA tournaments taking place throughout the year, which are sure to produce many more strikes to savour.