Japan secures women’s world cup Quarter-finals spot

NEW ZEALAND: Japan team secured a spot in the quarter-finals and moved closer to claiming their second Women’s World Cup title with an impressive performance against Norway.

According to the media reports, the 2011 champions displayed their skill and determination from the beginning, benefitting from an own goal by Norway’s Ingrid Engen who accidentally turned Hinata Miyazawa’s cross into the net.

Although Norway retaliated quickly with a well-timed header by Guro Reiten, Japan remained undeterred and reclaimed the lead through Risa Shimizu’s deflected strike.

Read more: FIFA investigates Women’s World Cup coach for sexual assault

Meanwhile, Miyazawa’s exceptional speed and skill led to Japan’s third goal, sealing their progress to the quarter-finals. Miyazawa’s outstanding performance also kept her in the running for the Golden Boot, leading the scoring charts with five goals in the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand.

She credited the collective team effort for her success and expressed her resolute to continue scoring goals.

Throughout the Women’s World Cup, Japan has proven to be a formidable force, exhibiting both slick football and a strong defense.

They navigated the group stage, securing victories without conceding a single point, including an impressive 4-0 triumph against fellow quarter-finalists, Spain.

Despite reaching the quarter-finals in the previous tournament, Norway faced challenges in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The injury to star forward Ada Hegerberg limited her playing time on the field, and even her appearance as a substitute couldn’t alter the outcome against Japan’s relentless attacking force.