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The Netherlands and Italy advance to World Cup quarter-finals

The quarter-final line-up at the Women's World Cup has been confirmed. A 2-0 win for Italy over C...



The Netherlands and Italy adva...
Soccer

The Netherlands and Italy advance to World Cup quarter-finals

The quarter-final line-up at the Women's World Cup has been confirmed.

A 2-0 win for Italy over China in Montpellier secured their place in the last-eight for the first time since 1991.

The Italian manager Milena Bertolini said after the win, "today wasn’t a display of beautiful football but the girls gave everything and we were clinical. To reach the quarter-finals is hugely satisfying.”

They will play the European Champions the Netherlands who beat Japan in the late kick-off.

Two goals from former Ballon d'Or winner Lieke Martens helped the Dutch to a 2-1 victory.

The Barcelona forward held her nerve from the penalty spot in the final minute of normal time to seal the win.

Phil Neville's England got through their last-16 game against Cameroon, which was marred with controversy down to VAR decisions.

The Cameroonian players appeared unwilling to restart the game twice after the video referee made calls in England's favour, with the game ending 2-0.

After the display, the England manager Phil Neville said it wasn't a great advertisement for the female game:

"It didn't feel like football. I know we get these briefs about coming on TV and saying it was a good game, but that wasn't a last-16 tie in terms of behaviour from footballers. This is going out worldwide.

"I didn't enjoy it, the players didn't enjoy it and my players kept their concentration, but those images are going out worldwide and young girls are seeing that behaviour and it's not right.

"There has to be a standard of behaviour that you have to do, and my players did that."

Elsewhere, Norway needed penalties to beat Australia in Nice, and they will go and meet England in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Hosts France overcame Brazil, in a game that ended with an impassioned plea from six-time FIFA player of the year, Marta - who challenged young players in Brazil to do more and keep working hard to make sure they win.

To meet them in the quarter-finals are reigning champions United States, who got through Spain thanks to two goals from the penalty spot from 33-year old Megan Repinoe.

Germany made light-work of Nigeria, while Sweden beat Canada to make up the last quarter-final fixture.

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