Netherlands were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning after a 2-1 defeat by reigning champions Japan.
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Japan were heavy favourites going into the game and it took them only ten minutes to take the lead, with Saori Ariyoshi hammering in after the ball had dropped of Netherlands crossbar.
Netherlands nearly equalised with 20 minutes left when a corner was deflected towards her own net by Aya Sameshima, but goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori clawed the ball away. Moments after that chance Japan doubled their lead with Mizhuo Sakaguchi curling into the top corner after a swift team move.
The Oranje didn’t give up hope and they pulled a goal back in extra time thanks to a Kirsten van de Ven header, but it proved to be too late and Japan held on.
Netherlands now head home from Canada, but they can be proud of reaching the last 16 of their first ever World Cup. However the defeat means Netherlands do not qualify for next years Olympic games in Brazil.
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