The Dutch women’s football team is out of the World Cup after losing 2-1 to defending champions Japan in the round of 16.

‘We are very disappointed because we came here with great expectations,’ coach Roger Reijners said after the game in Vancouver. ‘But I am very proud of the team and what we have achieved.’

This was the first time the Dutch women had qualified for the World Cup. They made it through to the knock-out rounds as one of best third-placed teams at the group stage.

The defeat means it is not yet certain if the Dutch women have qualified for the Olympic Games.