Roberts’ strike is also the first goal scored by a goalkeeper in any FIFA finals competition.
The 2-2 draw against England places Canada in third in Group C, a point above Rwanda and five points shy of first place Uruguay.
How did this remarkable goal occur? Down 2-1 nearing the 87th minute, Roberts had possession of the ball and dribbled it up the pitch near the halfway mark. He then thundered a kick towards the England goal, it bounced high and soared over the English goalkeep’s head.
The 16-year-old Brampton, Ontario, native had no intention to score, in fact. He told the Globe & Mail: “I thought I was just going to aim for our target player, Sadi Jalali and hope for the best.”
Roberts was actually the backup netminder, but yesterday he made history by being the first goalkeeper to score a goal in any FIFA competition.
Canada faces Rwanda next on Saturday, and Canada’s coach told reporters Roberts would definitely be starting in net.
The FIFA U-17 takes place across Mexico featuring teams from across the world. Players have to be under 17.
