Amsterdam, June 25 (BNA): The Netherlands have their sights set on their first Women’s World Cup title as the striker prepares to play for the third time in the exciting event that kicks off in Australia and New Zealand next month.
Reuters reports that the 30-year-old PSG player was part of the Dutch side that finished second after a disappointing penalty shootout loss to the United States.
Martins, who won three consecutive league titles and the Champions League during her time at Barcelona, helped her country win the 2017 European Championship where she was voted player of the tournament and also won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year.
“Yes, you dream about it (winning the World Cup),” Martins told FIFA in an interview. “And I think it’s very good that you keep trying to make that dream a reality.
“If we were going to win, it would be complete. I would have won everything I ever dreamed of winning. It would be a tough challenge, but nothing is impossible.
“I’ll do everything I can to be as ready as I can be. I also trust this team. I just hope we can go with the flow.”
Expectations for the Dutch national team have increased since their European Championship victory and Martins said dealing with the increased pressure has been an adjustment but she believes her team can thrive and embrace challenge.
The Netherlands is currently ranked ninth in the FIFA rankings.
“Suddenly, after winning the Euros, people expect a lot from us,” said Martins. “I think we’ve dealt with it as a team. We’ve evolved slowly, and we’re still dealing with it.
“People expect us to always be able to fight for the big trophies, and we have given ourselves that standard. Personality is back in the team and maybe we can achieve something beautiful again at this World Cup.”
Andres Juncker’s side will start their World Cup campaign against Portugal on July 3 before claiming a record four win with the United States on July 27.
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