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The football sped away from Alejandro Garnacho as he waited 15 yards out from the goal.

But Garnacho was not to be beaten. He turned and took half a dozen steps backwards. Then he leapt into the air and unleashed a huge kick. The ball soaredRose or moved high in the air. over the keeper and into the top right-hand corner of the goal.

"It was a jaw-dropping moment," said the former Everton player Leo Osman. "Everybody was just stunned by seeing a goal of that quality."¹

It is thanks to such moments that football is known as "the beautiful game". But does its beauty make it an art?

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Football, unlike many arts, does not involve designs, sounds or ideas. But it does involve skill - and some believe it can be creative.

In some sports which are marked by judges, points are given for artistry. They include gymnastics, diving, figure skating and trampolining.

But some say not even these sports are artistic. They are much more like bricklaying or cooking - but most people do not think a hot dog is a work of art.

Another writer, David Best, agrees. He points out that most athletes would prefer an ugly victory to a beautiful loss.

Yes! It can be beautiful to watch and the best athletes have amazing skills and ideas. Most people would not even think of a kick like the one Garnacho made.

No! Any beauty in sport happens only by chance. Sports players are only interested in winning - not making beautiful moves on the pitch.