Esmee Brugts scores stunning copy goals from a distance while the Netherlands beat Vietnam during the Women’s World Cup
- Esmee Brugts scored a beautiful curling attempt in the first half against Vietnam
- The 20-year-old Dutch attacker repeated the trick in the second half of the match
- The Netherlands advanced as group winners after their 7-0 victory over Vietnam
Esmee Brugts proved the star of the Netherlands’ 7-0 victory over Vietnam in the Women’s World Cup, with the striker scoring a pair of identical goals from range in Dunedin.
Lieke Martens and Katja Snoeijs had put the Dutch side 2-0 up in the first 11 minutes of the Group E match at Forsyth Barr Stadium in New Zealand.
Brugts extended their lead in spectacular fashion in the 18th minute, with the striker curling a shot on target from outside the box.
The 20-year-old’s effort deflected past Vietnam goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran’s dive and settled into the top corner.
Brugts made an emotional impression after scoring her first goal in the Women’s World Cup, with the striker placing her hands on her head in celebration.
Esmee Brugts scored two long-range contenders in the Netherlands’ 7-0 victory over Vietnam
Brugts was emotional after the 20-year-old scored her first goals at the Women’s World Cup
She repeated the trick in the second half with a second goal from the tournament candidate.
Brugts clung to a loose ball outside the Vietnam penalty area and curled an almost identical shot into the top corner.
Her brace gave the Netherlands a 6-0 lead over the tournament debutants, with Jill Roord and Danielle van de Donk also scoring in the first half.
Roord also ended the game with two goals, as her effort in the 83rd minute secured a 7–0 win for the Dutchman.
As a result, Andries Jonker’s team advanced as group winners and finished ahead of the United States.
The 2019 runners-up travel to Sydney on Sunday for their last-16 draw and are likely to face Italy, who are second behind Sweden in Group G.
Reigning champions United States were expected to top the group, but finished second following their 0–0 draw against Portugal.
The holders will advance to the last 16 in Melbourne, where they are expected to meet Sweden.