Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Dutch star Martens (foot) game-day decision

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 06 July 2019 10:45

LYON, France -- While one of the biggest stars remaining in the Women's World Cup continues to insist she will be available for Sunday's final between the United States and the Netherlands, the outlook for another sounded less promising a day ahead of kickoff.

U.S. star Megan Rapinoe said her hamstring won't prevent her from playing. Dutch counterpart Lieke Martens, according to her coach, is a day-of-game decision with a foot injury.

As she has since missing a semifinal win against England with a hamstring strain earlier in the week, Rapinoe indicated Saturday that she is making progress. With five goals in four games, she is one behind teammate Alex Morgan and England's Ellen White for the overall tournament lead.

"As of now I'm expecting to be ready for tomorrow," Rapinoe said. "I feel good. That's all I can really say right now."

Martens didn't speak with the media Saturday, but Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman sounded less than optimistic about her availability. Martens was replaced at halftime of a semifinal win against Sweden.

"She's preparing for the game tomorrow," Wiegman said. "We're not sure if she can start, but we're working on it. I don't know the outcome yet. We'll decide tomorrow morning."

Photos from the Dutch training session Saturday showed Martens sitting on the sideline at times while the rest of the team went through drills on the field.

Martens is arguably the best player on the Dutch team. She won the Golden Ball as the tournament's most outstanding player when the Netherlands won the European Championship in 2017. She was also named FIFA's player of the year that year. She led Barcelona to the UEFA Women's Champions League final this past season and has been linked to a potential move this summer to Olympique Lyon, Champions League winner the past four years.

Martens scored both goals in a 2-1 Netherlands win against Japan in the opening knockout round of the World Cup, her only goals of the tournament.

Wiegman said nothing will change the way the Dutch approach Sunday's game, her team still intent on playing aggressive soccer and possessing the ball.

U.S. coach Jill Ellis also said no players have been ruled out, with midfielder Rose Lavelle the biggest question mark other than Rapinoe. Lavelle left the semifinal with a hamstring issue but said Friday that it was precautionary and she would be fine.

Read 441 times

Soccer

Navas bids farewell in Sevilla defeat to Madrid

Navas bids farewell in Sevilla defeat to Madrid

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJesús Navas played the last LaLiga game of his 21-year career on Su...

Salah-inspired Liverpool beat Spurs in 6-3 thriller

Salah-inspired Liverpool beat Spurs in 6-3 thriller

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a dominant but chaotic 6-3 win a...

Amorim after loss: Man United in 'tough moment'

Amorim after loss: Man United in 'tough moment'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMANCHESTER, England -- Ruben Amorim wasn't kidding when he said "th...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Wall tries broadcasting, still hopes for NBA return

Wall tries broadcasting, still hopes for NBA return

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsORLANDO, Fla. -- John Wall was at the G League Winter Showcase last...

Wemby historic in 30-point, 10-block showcase

Wemby historic in 30-point, 10-block showcase

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVictor Wembanyama scored 30 points and tied a career high with 10 b...

Baseball

Rickey Henderson wasn't as good as he says he was -- he was better

Rickey Henderson wasn't as good as he says he was -- he was better

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBefore he was a somebody, Rickey Henderson was already a constituen...

Phils acquire lefty Luzardo in trade with Marlins

Phils acquire lefty Luzardo in trade with Marlins

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Philadelphia Phillies acquired left-handed starter Jesus Luzard...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated