Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Martinez hails wonder-strike

13 Dec 2009 - 11:39:14

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Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez hailed the vision and execution of Maynor Figueroa after his wonder goal in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Stoke City.

The Latics took a 2-1 lead 18 minutes from time when the Honduras left-back spotted Thomas Sorensen off his line and lofted a free-kick from just inside his own half over the head of the retreating goalkeeper.

Ryan Shawcross' header two minutes later restored parity before Sorensen saved Hugo Rodallega's 89th-minute penalty.

"I think the technicality of it doesn't surprise me at all because I know how Maynor strikes the ball every day in training," said Martinez.

"But the football arrogance to make that decision from a free-kick to score is special.

"From open play you're allowed to be that brave but from a free-kick you have to be a little bit arrogant because you look a fool in front of live television if you don't hit the target.

"I think it was a special moment, one of those moments when it is well worth being involved in football.

"I'm sure we'll see that goal time after time and for a goalkeeper the standard of Sorensen to be beaten from that distance it has to be something special. It's just a shame that goal wasn't part of a winning scoreline."