
Iranian defender Nader Mohammadi scored a spectacular assist for Spartak Kostroma in Russia's First League on Sunday, using a somersault throw-in that led to a headed goal against SKA-Khabarovsk. The 29-year-old launched…
Iranian defender Nader Mohammadi scored a spectacular assist for Spartak Kostroma in Russia's First League on Sunday, using a somersault throw-in that led to a headed goal against SKA-Khabarovsk. The 29-year-old launched the ball into the box with a flip throw, which teammate Sergey Bugriyov converted in the 83rd minute to seal a 3-1 win.

Mohammadi, who began his career with Paykan in Iran before playing for Tractor, Gol Gohar, and Zob Ahan, developed the technique from a decade of gymnastics training. He previously created over 10 goals with the move in Iran and attempted it in 2021 from his own half. This was only his second appearance for Spartak after joining on a free transfer in July. A similar throw in 2020 once forced an own goal after hitting the goalkeeper.

The viral clip of Mohammadi's flip throw is being celebrated as a novelty, but it is a trained skill honed over a decade of gymnastics. Calling it the 'most unusual assist' ignores the deliberate practice behind it. Some dismiss it as a gimmick, yet he has created over 10 goals with this technique. The real question is not whether it looks strange, but why more players do not develop such a tactical weapon from a dead ball.
Sources (2): timesnownews.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.