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The Football Dictionary
Your comprehensive guide to football and soccer terminology, slang, and phrases used by fans and players worldwide.
A way of rating overhead kicks by comparing them to Trevor Sinclair's famous effort for QPR against Barnsley in the 1997 FA Cup. Sinclair's volley was hit from outside the box, and flew into the back of the net. It's the gold standard. So when someone pulls off a bicycle kick, you place it on the Sinclair Spectrum to judge how good it actually was. Popularised by Max Rushden on the Guardian's Football Weekly podcast.
Nice overhead kick from Alejandro Garnacho but where does it sit on the Sinclair Spectrum? It's no Sinclair but it's up there.
When a lower league or underdog team knocks out a much bigger club, usually in a cup competition, particularly synonymous with the FA Cup. The smaller team has nothing to lose, give absolutely everything for 90 minutes, and the favourites often look like they can't be bothered. Home advantage at a tight, hostile ground helps too.
Do you remember Mickey Thomas' screamer against Arsenal in '92? What a giant killing.
Fabrizio Romano's catchphrase for confirming a transfer is done. When he posts on social media "Here we go!" it's a sure fire way of knowing a deal is agreed. It's become the unofficial official announcement in football - fans refresh his account constantly during transfer windows waiting for those three words.
"Erling Haaland to Manchester City, here we go!"
Scoring two goals in one game. The word originates from hunting, where a brace meant a pair of birds. Less celebrated than a hat-trick but still a strong individual performance.