Japan has reached the end of a semi-successful Women’s World Cup run and finished on a good note. The Netherlands lucked out by receiving a penalty kick to surpass the Japanese in a final score of 2-1. However, the Japanese managed to keep fighting after scoring a cheeky goal before half and unfortunately got the boot in the round of 16.
Japan ties it up just before the half! #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/m5z2xcks0Y
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 25, 2019
After surviving the group stage, Japan finished the round of 16 with four matches played, scoring three goals with five goals against, 54 shots, 18 attempts on target, one penalty, 17 corners and the most impressive statistic: one offside call.
Japan may have lost in the round of 16, but it beat out every other country with the fewest offside calls.
Completing 54 shots on goal and scoring three while only receiving one offside call is a rare occurrence. This statistic proves the diligence and patience the Japanese have shown throughout their World Cup run. Kudos to them for being the one team that truly understands how to time its runs and stay in front of the back line.
The Japanese were under pressure after making it to the World Cup final in 2015 where they lost to the U.S., 5-2. Having an inexperienced squad that featured 17 players who were playing in their first World Cup, they still managed to dominate and had opportunities to take the lead against the Dutch, but just could not find the back of the net.
So their redemption will have to wait until the next Women’s World Cup and the Netherlands will move on to the quarterfinals where they will face Italy on June 29 at 9 a.m. EST.
RESPECT.
Shanice van de Sanden comforted her Lyon club mate Saki Kumagai and the rest of the team followed suit. pic.twitter.com/bOPne8kh5F— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019
