World Cup: Two opponents shared a beautiful moment after controversial ending

Another match in the Women’s World Cup ended in brutal fashion thanks to a controversial call by the refs but it also led to one of the most touching moments of the tournament, too.

Netherlands was able to get past Japan, 2-1, in their knockout game on Tuesday. The game-winner came via a penalty kick in the 90th minute after the refs called a handball on Japan.

The call was another questionable one, as many fans didn’t think Japan’s Saki Kumagai should have been whistled for a handball.

She was visibly distraught after the final whistle but her Lyon teammate, Shanice van de Sanden of Netherlands, immediately tried to comfort her:

AAAAAWWWWWWW 😭😭

Kumagai is DEVASTATED and Shanice Van de Sanden is comforting her AND crying too…..

My poor heart…. #TeamOL #OLFamily 🔴🔵#NEDJPN pic.twitter.com/uf9MqjZjFf

— CHERYL🌹🇫🇷 (@destiny_ifoot) June 25, 2019

RESPECT. 👏👏

Shanice van de Sanden comforted her Lyon club mate Saki Kumagai and the rest of the team followed suit. pic.twitter.com/bOPne8kh5F

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2019

Here was the handball:

Ball to hand not hand to ball . Another shocking ref decision #FWWC2019 #NEDJPN pic.twitter.com/xtSzgypU5Y

— MAX POWER (@MAX_POWER_123) June 25, 2019

Fans felt so bad for Kumagai but loved the sportsmanship:

Broke my heart….. 😩

— CHERYL🌹🇫🇷 (@destiny_ifoot) June 25, 2019

I love van de Sanden soo much, she grew up in my town and I even met her, she’s the absolute best

— Señorita Susanne (@camilasimba) June 25, 2019

So awesome to see this kind of sportsmanship. Major respect. 👊🏻

— Millhouse. (@lunch_box77) June 25, 2019

Beautiful

— Ntas (@Ntas92) June 25, 2019

I love when the teams comfort each other 🥰 it’s true respect and shows how the game is important to everyone

— zo📖 (@ZoZoNeLittle) June 25, 2019