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Post by Admin on Jun 25, 2019 22:15:37 GMT
A goal in each half gave Italy a deserved victory, although China played some neat stuff for long periods without ever looking capable of penetrating the Italians’ iron defence. Italy were enterprising and took their opportunities with a deadliness that China lacked. They become the sixth European team into the quarter-finals, where they will play either Japan or the European champions, Holland. Gama blocks a shot at the expense of a corner. “I imagine that one could argue that China has technically played a better game,” offers Mary Waltz. “But the confident spirit of constant attack of the Italians has payed off, at least so far. Yes, at moments the Italians have looked sloppy on defense, but I love the verve they display every time China makes the slightest error.” Yes, and there have been many, many such errors, plus bluntness when it matters in attack - both of which must be classed as rather large technical failings. The keeper was highly suspect on the second goal, too, I fancy. All in all, Italy deserve to be in front and, as you say, the gusto with which they attack is wonderful.
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Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2019 4:03:16 GMT
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.
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.
There was nothing the Japan defender could do about it and the decision by Honduran referee Melissa Borjas felt harsh, but under a set of new laws introduced on 1 June - which includes penalties being awarded for handballs whether intentional or not - it was the correct decision, and the video assistant referee confirmed the award.
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.
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Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2019 18:44:06 GMT
An exhilarating World Cup round of 16 rematch between the Netherlands and Japan got decided in favor of the Dutch in the 90th minute, thanks to a penalty kick converted by forward Lieke Martens. The PK gave the Dutch a 2-1 win over the same team that kicked them out of the 2015 World Cup, and it put them in the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Japan will exit the tournament feeling hard-done not just because of the late, game-changing call, but also because this game was just a few inches away from swinging in their favor. After Martens gave the Netherlands the lead with a pretty backheel off a set piece early on, Japan responded with some nicely orchestrated passing and movement to create an equalizer for Yui Hasegawa. The Japanese, however, could have scored a couple more goals with just a bit more precision, as Yuika Sugasawa hit the post in the 20th minute, and Hina Sugita clanged it off the crossbar in the 79th.
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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2019 21:59:35 GMT
England reached their second consecutive Women's World Cup semi-final as they produced an excellent performance to beat Norway in Le Havre. Lucy Bronze's brilliant second-half strike capped a fine night that saw the Lionesses become the first senior England team to reach the last four at three consecutive major tournaments. Two slick team moves had given them a deserved 2-0 half-time lead, as Jill Scott and Ellen White found the net from close range either side of White hitting the post. Nikita Parris saw a late penalty, awarded for Maria Thorisdottir's foul on England captain Steph Houghton, well saved by Ingrid Hjelmseth.
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Post by Admin on Jun 29, 2019 2:04:30 GMT
Holders the United States overcame hosts France to book a semi-final date with England at the Women's World Cup. Megan Rapinoe scored a goal in each half for the USA, the first a low free-kick that went in through a crowd of players, the second a side-foot finish. France did not manage a single shot on target in the first half but Wendie Renard's late header gave them hope. Les Bleues then had appeals for a penalty waved away after Amel Majri's cross struck Kelley O'Hara's arm.
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