This World Cup goal shows why soccer is ‘The Beautiful Game’

Japan's Mizuho Sakaguchi,left, scores a goal against Netherlands goalkeeper Loes Geurts, right, during the second half of a round of 16 soccer match at the FIFA Women's World Cup, Tuesday, June 23, 2015, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) AP

By Jack Andrade

1 minute to read

Japan scored the goal of the tournament thus far at the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday. Mizuho Sakaguchi finished what was ultimately the game-winning goal after a gorgeous build-up in the attacking zone.

After several short passes inside and around the 18-yard box, a centering ball, and a clever dummy, Sakaguchi’s left-footed strike beat the keeper for a brilliant goal.

The goal gave Japan a 2-0 lead in the 78th minute, and they held on to win 2-1 and advance to the quarterfinals. Japan will face Australia on Saturday.

Japan is the defending World Cup champion, having knocked off the United States in the 2011 World Cup Final on penalty kicks.

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