Japan 3-1 Norway: Title dream alive for Japan as they book quarter-final spot
Japan moved one step closer to securing their second Women’s World Cup title with a thrilling victory against Norway, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
The 2011 champions got off to an ideal start when Norway’s defender, Ingrid Engen, accidentally turned Hinata Miyazawa’s cross into her own net, giving Japan the lead.
However, Norway quickly responded and equalised a few minutes later with a powerful header from Guro Reiten.
Not to be deterred, Japan pressed on, and Risa Shimizu’s shot took a heavy deflection, restoring their lead in a stroke of luck.
Hinata Miyazawa, on remarkable scoring form, dashed through the defence to score a third goal, solidifying Japan’s progress to the quarter-finals.
Miyazawa’s goal also keeps her in the running for the Golden Boot award, as she now leads the scoring charts in the tournament with an impressive tally of five goals in Australia and New Zealand.
Japan’s formidable performance has them eyeing another shot at World Cup glory as they advance in the competition.
Japan will play either defending champions the United States or Sweden in the last eight.
Will Japan win the 2023 Women’s World Cup?
Japan are the team to watch in this competition. Along with England and Sweden, they picked up all available points from the group stages.
Their eye-catching 4-0 win over Spain had everyone talking. Despite only having 23% possession they battered their fellow quarter-finalists Spain.
They played devastating counter-attacking football and showed how well they can dig in and grind out victory against a tough opponent.
The last-16 game was the first time they conceded a goal but apart from that they have shown their strong defensive play.