Figueroa scores wonder goal for Wigan
Reuters - Saturday 12 December 2009, 18:51
LONDON - A spectactular goal from inside his own half by Honduran Maynor Figueroa illuminated Wigan Athletic's 2-2 draw at Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Wigan defender was first to the ball when a free kick was awarded after 73 minutes and barely hesitated as he launched an unstoppable shot that flew like a guided missile past stunned Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.
VIDEO: Watch Figueroa wonder goal
VIDEO: Watch Gary Roberts repeat the trick for Rotherham
It was strike equal to, if not better than, David Beckham's stunning goal from inside his own half for Manchester United against Wimbledon in 1996.
"The footballing arrogance Maynor showed to take the shot on was exceptional," Wigan coach Roberto Martinez told reporters.
"We know what he is capable of and what technique he has but to make that decision with the free kick was something special and we'll see that goal time after time again.
"We are very proud of him and it's just a shame that it wasn't a winning goal."
Figueroa, who will play in next year's World Cup finals for Honduras, appeared almost non-plussed after the game. Talking through an interpreter he described his stupendous goal as "one in a million".
Sadly for Figueroa, Wigan could not hold on to their 2-1 lead and then wasted the chance to take the three points late on when Hugo Rodallega had a late penalty saved by Sorensen.
Rodallega's failure to convert a spot-kick continued a trend which began last weekend when four penalties were missed in the Premier League.