Robin van Persie's stunning diving header against Spain and James Rodriguez's volley against Uruguay in the World Cup were included in FIFA's final shortlist for the Goal of the Year 'Puskas' award.

Netherlands striker Van Persie opened the floodgates in a jaw-dropping 5-1 win at then title holders Spain in Brazil when he beat the offside trap to launch himself in the air and head home a raking cross from Daley Blind.

Playmaker James Rodriguez, who joined Real Madrid in the close season after finishing as the World Cup top scorer with six goals, netted against Uruguay in a last-16 tie when he chested a looping header on the edge of the area with his back to goal, swiveled and fired an unstoppable volley home.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who won the award last year, is also in contention to retain the prize after scoring a superb goal for Paris Saint-Germain against Bastia in the French Ligue1, producing an exquisite back-heeled volley following a deflected cross from Lucas Moura.

Former Atletico Madrid and current Chelsea striker Diego Costa is also included in the shortlist, thanks to his overhead kick against Getafe in the Spanish La Liga.

A volley by Australia's Tim Cahill in a World Cup clash against the Netherlands is also in the list. Other contenders include goals from Mexico's Marco Fabian, Brazilian Camilo Sanvezzo, Swiss Pajtim Kasami and Japanese Hisato Sato.

1-Tim Cahill (Australia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2tmftLN2lY

2-Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid, Spain)

4-Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG, France)

6- Stephanie Roche (Ireland)

7-James Rodriguez (Colombia)

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

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