Lizbeth Ovalle's Stunning Goal: A Scorpion Kick Redefined
Prepare to be amazed! Mexican footballer Lizbeth Ovalle recently scored a goal so unique it's sparked a global conversation. Forget the usual header or volley; Ovalle's innovative strike, scored for Tigres UANL against Guadalajara, has everyone talking about its place in football history and even garnered comparisons to the FIFA Puskás Award.
The Goal: A Masterclass in Improvisation
The play started with a corner kick taken by Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish World Cup winner. Hermoso's cross, initially cleared, found its way back to her. With a deft touch, she sent it towards Ovalle, who, initially possibly offside, cleverly repositioned herself. Instead of heading the ball, Ovalle, seeing the flight and trajectory, stopped, turned, and, using the bottom of her left foot, expertly flicked the ball over the goalkeeper into the net. It was a moment of pure brilliance that broke a 0-0 deadlock in the 75th minute.
Scorpion Kick or Backheel? Something Entirely New.
The goal has been described as a "scorpion kick" and a "backheel," but it's really something else entirely. While sharing similarities with other spectacular goals, like those scored by Olivier Giroud and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Ovalle's execution is distinct. She executed a scorpion-like leg movement, but facing away from the goal and using the bottom of her boot. This adaptation makes her goal a unique evolution of the classic scorpion kick. Former US midfielder Stuart Holden aptly summarized the sentiment: "I don’t even know what to call this technique!"
Ovalle: La Maga (The Magician)
This incredible goal is no fluke for Ovalle, nicknamed "La Maga" (The Magician). With 10 goals in 10 Clausura league games and 18 last season, her talent is undeniable. This breathtaking goal, and her consistent performance, firmly establishes Ovalle as a rising star in women's football.
Jenni Hermoso's Ongoing Legal Battle
While Ovalle's goal rightfully earns the spotlight, it's important to acknowledge the context surrounding Hermoso. The "Rubiales case," involving a non-consensual kiss from the former Spanish football federation president, has overshadowed her World Cup victory. Hermoso's courage in speaking out against Rubiales and the ensuing legal battles highlight the importance of combating sexism in sports. Prosecutor Marta Durántez Gil's role in the case further underscores the complexities surrounding the incident and the fight for justice.
Ovalle's stunning goal is a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of football. It's a moment that deserves to be celebrated, reminding us of the incredible talent and creativity within women's football.