Utsugi’s Japan Eliminated by the Netherlands at World Cup

Japan was eliminated in the World Cup Round of 16 by the Netherlands on Tuesday, losing 2-1. The Netherlands’ Lieke Martens completed a brace with a penalty in the 90th minute, ending Japan’s hopes of a third consecutive trip to the finals.

Martens struck first for the Oranje, tapping in a corner kick from Sherida Spitse with the outside of her right foot in the 17th minute.

Yui Hasegawa responded for Japan shortly before halftime. The midfielder ran on to a through ball from Mana Iwabuchi and fired a shot into the top of the net to make it 1-1.

Referee Melissa Borjas awarded the Netherlands a penalty in the 88th minute after a shot struck the extended arm of a defender.

The Netherlands will play in the quarterfinals against Italy on Saturday, June 29 at 6:00 a.m. PT.