📝 Late penalty sends Netherlands into World Cup quarter-finals | OneFootball

Netherlands booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup with a late penalty earning them a 2-1 win over Japan.

Looking to avenge their defeat at the same stage in 2015 to the exact same opponents, Netherlands were rapid out of the blocks here in Lorient.

Vivianne Miedema went close with just 10 minutes gone only to see her effort go over the bar but the Dutch didn’t have to wait much longer to see the ball hit the back of the net.

A corner from the left found Lieke Martens, who flicked it on at the near post and saw her effort squirm over the line.

But Japan didn’t let their heads drop and came surging back with a goal of their own on the stroke of half-time.

Some neat inter-play on the edge of the area saw Yui Hasegawa in on goal, with the Nippon striker cool enough to chip the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Into the second half and Asaka Takakura’s side were really knocking on the door now.

A flurry chances arrived late on with Hina Sugita going closest with her effort crashing back off the underside of the bar with 10 minutes to go.

And they paid for those missed opportunities as in the dying moments a close range shot hit a Japanese arm inside the area, with the referee quickly pointing to the spot.

Up stepped Martens from 12 yards, who slotted home the winner.

Player of the match

Lieke Martens may have scored twice, but Vivianne Miedema was just a class above and is going some way to proving herself the best in the world.