Martens Carries Netherlands to Quarterfinals Over Japan

The Netherlands and Japan faced off for a chance at a spot in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday afternoon. Lieke Martens, who had largely been quiet for the Dutch, struck twice to help the Netherlands advance into the next round of play.

Starting Lineups

Here is how Japan and the Netherlands lined up at kickoff. Vivianne Miedema had two goals in three games for the Dutch. Meanwhile, Japan had a few different players with one goal.

https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC/status/1143578855363567619

The Dutch Take the Lead

The Netherlands took the lead off of a set piece. However, rather than coming from the air, it came via the heel of Martens.

The ball came in at the near post, where Martens stood unmarked. She flicked the ball off of her heel and through the defender’s legs to find the corner of the net and give her side the lead.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1143600493391835136

Japan Nearly Equalizes

Minutes after the opener, Japan came inches within finding their first. After some terrific build-up play, Yuika Sugasawa found herself with a chance in front of goal. Unfortunately, she slid as she hit the ball, and it hit the outside of the post.

Almost the perfect response from Japan!

That's some wonderful link-up play from the Nadeshiko, but Sugasawa strikes the post. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/ycjoOOdWIp

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019

Japan Makes it 1-1

After some more standard Japanese build-up play, Mana Iwabuchi slid the ball in behind the Dutch defense to Yui Hasegawa, who made no mistake from eight yards out.

Japan had finally gotten its equalizer just minutes before the halftime interval.

IT'S TIED!

Another lovely combination from Japan leads to a clinical Hasegawa finish, and it's 1-1. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/5ngexRcKrq

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019

Ayaka Yamashita, Sweeper Keeper

Throughout the match, the Netherlands attempted long balls over the top of the Japanese defense. However, Japan’s No. 1 in goal, Ayaka Yamashita, did a terrific job reading the play and coming off of her line to limit the threat the Netherlands’ forwards possessed in such situations.

Yamashita has been very good about coming off of her line to gather the Dutch balls over the top. #NEDJPN #FIFAWWC

— J.ERICK (@JD_Erickson) June 25, 2019

Back and Forth

The second half turned into a midfield battle between the two sides. Neither had many clear opportunities until around the 75th minute, when the game opened up a bit.

In the 79th minute, Hina Sugita saw her effort smack against the crossbar after beating her defender.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1143620115939778560

Yuka Momiki provided a much-needed spark off of the Japanese bench. She brought more pace to the right and also nearly scored.

Martens Bags a Brace

In the 88th minute, the Netherlands won a penalty.

88’ Penalty for the Dutch! Kumagai is called for a handball in the box. VAR is reviewing the incident. #FIFAWWC #NEDJPN

— J.ERICK (@JD_Erickson) June 25, 2019

Up stepped Martens for her second of the match. She sent Yamashita the wrong way and scored to secure the Netherlands’ position in the quarterfinals.

MARTENS SCORES FROM THE SPOT!

Is that the game-winner for the Netherlands? Martens gets her brace after a handball penalty is called and upheld by VAR. 2-1! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/KYF4trKyX9

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019

What’s Next?

All of the quarterfinal matchups are now finalized. The Dutch become the seventh European team left in the competition, with only the United States representing another continent.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1143624402132561920

Now, the Netherlands will face Italy at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday.