Riko Ueki was unable to help Japan avoid defeat against the United States as they narrowly lost 1-0 in a gruelling 2024 Olympic Games quarter-final clash on Saturday evening.
The Hammers forward entered the field from the bench on 70 minutes, replacing Mina Tanaka and slotting into a wide area for Nadeshiko as they worked hard to try and deny Emma Hayes’ USA side opportunities, while also threatening on the counter attack themselves.
The breakthrough for the USA came in the first half of extra time. Trinity Rodman took a long ball down well and cut inside beautifully, before firing a curling shot with her left foot that nestled into the top corner on 105 minutes.
Japan and Ueki couldn’t force further issues in the second half of extra time, meaning their Olympic journey comes to an end at the last-eight stage.
