A-League: Jets' brilliant Brazilian Daniel Penha makes mark with missile

A thundering strike that put the rest of the A-League on notice.

Daniel Panha, the pint-sized pocket rocket, produced a stunning freekick from 25 metres to put the Jets back on level terms in their 2-1 defeat to Western United on Saturday night.

Western United keeper Jamie Young had barely moved before Penha's left-foot piledriver pierced the back of the net.

Similar goals have been a regular sight at the Jets' training base in Maitland.

"In Brasileiro B, he had the most shots on goal from his position last season," Jets coach Arthur Papas said. "If you put him in that range, he has the confidence to do those things and the technique to do it as well."

Initially, striker Beka Mikeltadze grabbed the ball after the foul was awarded. Penha intervened and after a short debate, the Brazilian won out.

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Mikeltadze, a Georgian international, was among the first to mob Penha when the shot went in

"I think you saw the reaction from the team towards him," Papas said. "There is a lot of trust within the group.

"Daniel is a young guy. What I really like about him - he doesn't get it right every time, but he has the confidence to keep trying.

"That is what you look for. He doesn't go into his shell if he doesn't execute one. He is ready to go again and again and again. That is the point of difference you look for."

Penha's strike went viral on social media.

Though a highlight, there was more to Penha's game than the freekick.

He was industrious, linked well, took defenders on and tested Young with at least two other shots.

"I thought he had a positive game," Papas said. "We worked really hard, he gave us a great connection between the midfield and attack. He could have had a couple more goals to be honest. He forced a couple of very good saves."

Asked if Penha now had the job of taking freekicks permanently, Papas said: "Not necessarily. Olliver Boumal is very good at set pieces, Beka, Mario Arques, Kosta Grozos is very good as well ... we have options. That is the main thing.

"This time Daniel stepped up. He has our trust and he executed."

Boumal, 31, was also dangerous on the left wing and had a great duel with Western United's former Socceroo Josh Risdon.

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