Kasami stunner inspires Fulham’s rout of Palace

Fulham manager Martin Jol hailed Pajtim Kasami’s stunning volley against Crystal Palace as better than fellow Dutchman Marco van Basten’s classic in the Euro 1988 final.

Macedonian-born Swiss Kasami sprinted to control a lofted pass on his chest and in one movement smashed a dipping volley across Palace keeper Julian Speroni to put his side on the road to a 4-1 Premier League victory at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

“Yeah, that was an unbelievable goal and I’m very pleased,” Kasami said. “I saw I could run in the space, and it came perfect for my chest and I took it direct with my right foot.”

Struggling Palace had taken an early lead through Adrian Mariappa’s header but Kasami’s stunner and Steve Sidwell’s thumping shot on the stroke of half-time turned the game.

“It was better than people think because he had to control the ball on his chest and then put it in the other corner, it was a really good goal from a talented boy,” Jol said. “It could be one of the goals of the season.

“Marco van Basten’s goal was totally different and you can’t compare the two but this one was better! He had to sprint 30 yards, take a touch and then score, it is one of the goals of the season.”