Netherlands chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Womens World Cup took a big blow on Friday morning after a 91st minute goal handed China a 1-0 win.

0000 ned chinAfter the 1-0 win over New Zealand in the group’s opener, Netherlands went into the game knowing a win would all but seal their progress to the next round, but that never looked likely against a China side that dominated from the start.

Goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal was forced into two good saves in the first half, pushing a Peng Han shot over the bar, before safely catching a goal bound header from Guixen Ren. Netherlands only had one clear chance on goal in the first half, but after racing onto a great through ball, Vivianne Miedema could only stab her shot wide.

Van Veenendaal was needed again early in the second half to deny Jiali Tang, while substitute Jun Ma volleyed over from close range. The game was heading for a 0-0 draw, but Lisi Wang raced onto a long ball in the 91st minute before stabbing the ball past Van Veenendaal.

Netherlands now need to beat hosts Canada in their final group game to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.




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