Japan defeated Norway by 3-1 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup played in Wellington, New Zealand The goals for the Asian women were scored by Ingrid Syrstad Engen (15′ own goal), Risa Shimizu (50′) and Hinata Miyazawa (81′), while Guro Reiten (20′) scored for the Norwegians. Thus, the Japanese women continue with their perfect performance at the World Cup, having only wins so far and only today they conceded the first goal in their net.
The match started strongly for Japan, who took the lead in the 15th minute when, after a poor clearance by Ingrid Syrstad Engen the ball hit their own net. Just five minutes later, however, Norway equalized through Guro Reiten, who headed in Vilde Boe Risa’s cross from the right. Thus, the first half ended with a draw.
In the second half, the Japanese women pressed and in the 50th minute, Risa Shimizu took advantage of a bad defensive play by Vilde Boe Risa and scored for 2-1. The final 3-1 was formed by Hinata Miyazawa in the 81st, who stayed face to face with the Norwegian goalkeeper and scored her fifth goal of the championship after a good assist from Aoba Fujino.
Thus, Japan is waiting for the winner of the Sweden-USA pair in the quarter-finals, where it can form a big derby with the other big favorite, the Americans, already at this stage of the tournament.
