Mitoma goal likened to legendary Euros strike

Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport

Kaoru Mitoma’s super strike at Spurs has been likened to one of the most famous finishes in the game.

The Japan winger guided home a stunning left-foot volley from a tough angle to claim Albion’s first equaliser in the 2-2 draw.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler likened it to Marco van Basten’s legendary strike for Holland in the 1988 European Championship final.

Hurzeler told his post-match press conference: “Someone just showed me that Marco van Basten scored a similar goal.

“I am young but now I can remember how brilliant his goal was.

“Therefore I think everyone who played football understands how difficult it is to finish like this.

“We know Kaoru Mioma is a key player for us.

“I think in general our subs made a key difference for us.

“Not only Kaoru but also Babis (Charalampos Kostoulas), also Maxim (De Cuyper), also (Georginio) Rutter, also Matt O’Riley.

Kaoru Mitoma's goal has been likened to a famous Marco van Basten strike (Image: BBC)

“They showed really good reactions. They brought a lot of energy, a lot of positivity and that is what we need as a team.”

Mitoma’s strike was a mirror image of van Basten’s effort on the right side of the penalty area.

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The Dutchman was probably on a tighter angle as he crashed home the second goal of a 2-0 win over the USSR.

That famous strike happened in Munich, a city Hurzeler knows well, but four-and-a-half years before he was born.

Kaoru Mitoma 🤝 Juan Mata The technique on these volleys 🫨@OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/2DI3yt7Fvr

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 18, 2026

The Premier League’s own social media platforms likened the Mitoma strike to a finish by Juan Mata for Chelsea against Manchester United.

Mitoma later went off injured and did not give his customary interview to Japanese media after the game, although he was said to be walking freely and without obvious problems as he passed the media area.