Japan’s Mizuho Sakaguchi Scores Best Goal Of World Cup

Photo © Rich Lam/Getty Images.

With the first round of elimination matches over, the World Cup is just a few weeks away from being finished. And while this might sadden soccer fans, most have to admit that this has been an exciting tournament, filled with awe-inspiring play and heartbreak.

Mizuho Sakaguchi Scores Best Goal Of World Cup

But perhaps what stands out the most was last night’s amazing shot by Japan’s Mizuho Sakaguchi. In the final elimination game of the round of 16, the defending world champions were taking on the Netherlands. And with Japan already leading 1-0 — Saori Ariyoshi scored off of Netherlands’ failure to clear a rebound — Aya Miyama sent a heel pass to Mana Iwabuchi, whose dummying set up a gorgeous goal by Mizuho Sakaguchi. Simply, a beautifully drawn up play that coaches dream of executing.

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In uSports’ opinion, there have been plenty of great goals over the last week, but the whole play was amazing enough to say that this is our current favorite.

In the end, the Sakaguchi goal was the deciding factor, as the outshot Netherlands made one last effort to come back from a 2-0 deficit. Kirsten van de Ven would score off a weak header, making the game 2-1 during extra time. However, Japan was able to survive the offensive onslaught and close out the match.

Next, Japan faces Australia in the quarterfinals on June 27 at 4 pm EST.