It was a great day for Lieke Martens and the Netherlands. Faced with a difficult match against former World Cup winner Japan, the Dutch Lions needed a moment of inspiration to break down Japan’s normally resolute defending.
In the 17th minute, the Netherlands won a corner, and the delivery was met with a moment of magic. We've seen some great goals in this competition so far, and this goal is certainly up there.
WHAT. A. GOAL!
Lieke Martens' backheel flick nutmegs a defender on the way in for the 1-0 lead. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/ODGAxrvzAj— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019
While the defending from Japan was objectively poor, Marten’s finish sure wasn’t. Completely unmarked, Martens stole into the space in front of the near post and pulled off an exquisite backheel that not only want into the far corner, but megged a defender in the process. Absolutely filthy.
Lieke Martens has now scored more #FIFAWWC goals for #NED than any other player (3).
That could be the goal that sends the Dutch into the final eight. pic.twitter.com/9tFCrBzwdi— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 25, 2019
That wasn’t her only goal on Tuesday either.
Martens scored the Netherland’s controversial 89th-minute penalty winner to send the Dutch through to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 win. While it was definitely a soft penalty, the Barcelona forward certainly won’t care.
MARTENS SCORES FROM THE SPOT!
Is that the game-winner for the Netherlands? Martens gets her brace after a handball penalty is called and upheld by VAR. 2-1! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/KYF4trKyX9— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019
The Netherlands could use another moment of magic from Martens when the Dutch face Italy on June 29.
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