FIFAWWC: Netherlands, Italy Through To Quarters
The Netherlands hit Japan with a 90th-minute sucker-punch as Lieke Martens’ penalty sent them through to the last eight of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 win. The European champions, on the ropes for much of the final 20 minutes, looked to be heading for extra time when Vivianne Miedema’s powerful shot hit the arm of Saki Kumagai at point-blank range.
Martens converted as the Dutch avenged their defeat by Japan at the same stage four years ago when they made their World Cup debut. They will now play Italy in Valenciennes on Saturday.
Valentina Giacinti and Aurora Galli scored and Italy earned its first appearance in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup since 1991 after beating China 2-0 on Tuesday.
Giacinti created and finished off her 15th-minute opener before Galli’s long strike put the result beyond doubt four minutes after halftime at the stiflingly hot Stade de la Mosson.
Playing in its first World Cup in 20 years, Italy has proven to be one of the revelations of the tournament by making the final eight after having won its group ahead of heavyweights Brazil and Australia.
