91Èȱ¬

Pajtim Kasami's stunning goal for Fulham at Crystal Palace was better than Marco van Basten's Euro 88 volley, according to Cottagers boss Martin Jol.

Kasami's goal, a fine dipping effort from across his body in a 4-1 win, drew comparisons with

Dutchman Jol said: "It was better than you think. He controlled it on his chest and put it in the other corner.

"Marco's was very different. You can't compare them, but this was better!"

Van Basten's goal against the Soviet Union in the final of Euro 88 is widely held to be the greatest ever scored at any European Championship finals.

He met Arnold Muhren's deep cross on the volley almost at the byeline and powered a dipping shot over the goalkeeper into the far corner of the net.

Kasami considers his strike to be the best of his career.

"I have never scored a better goal," said the Switzerland international.

"I ran into the space and the pass was perfect. It was an unbelievable goal and I am very pleased."

The strike even prompted "Well there's my 'goal of the month' prize gone!!!! Take a bow!"

Having climbed to 14th, within one point of eighth-placed Manchester United, Jol admitted it was a vital victory for his team.

Fulham went behind to Adrian Mariappa's early header before Kasami's 19th-minute goal proved the catalyst for a stirring comeback.

"It was unbelievably important to get a result," said Jol. "It was a game of importance for Palace, too, but we needed the three points.

"The goal we conceded was sickening, but we showed some response and it was a fantastic Pajtim goal with his wrong foot. I haven't seen him do that before. It is one of the goals of the season."

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell, who followed up Kasami's strike with a memorable 25-yard volley of his own, believes the win has taken the pressure off Jol.

"Going a goal down early was a bit of a blow but we knew, if we kept plugging away, chances would come," Sidwell told Sky Sports 1.

Sidwell said Kasami's strike helped inspire the Fulham players.

"We needed something special to get back into the game and it certainly was something special," said Sidwell.