Japanese women’s national football team almost certainly qualified for the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Asian women recorded their second straight win of the tournament after beating Costa Rica by 2-0 in a Group C clash in Dunedin, New Zealand.
The Japanese women were definitely the better team, especially in the first half, and could have won with a more convincing result, but they wasted some clear chances. However, they easily cruised to success after two quick goals before the break. In the 25th minute, Hikaru Naomoto gave her team the lead with a fine shot, and just two minutes later, Aoba Fujino scored with a great shot from a very tight angle. The assists for both goals came from Mina Tanaka.
With a two goal lead, the Japanese looked incredibly comfortable in the second half as they were increasing Solera’s save count for the tournament. Despite being second best for large parts of the second period, the Costa Ricans were doing well to keep the score unachaged. However, a mixup at the back almost cost them a third goal as Solera and Fabiola Villalobos both went for a ball in the box.
Thus, Japan leads the group with a full asset of 6 points so far and is very unlikely to fail to qualify for the Round of 16.
Costa Rica remain without an asset after their first two matches.
