Thrilling Victory: Hinata Miyazawa's Spectacular Goal Propels Japan to Quarter-Finals!

Japan continued their impressive performance in the Women's World Cup, securing a well-deserved 3-1 victory against a struggling Norway team. Throughout the group stages, Japan had proven themselves to be one of the top contenders, and their dominance was evident in their match against Norway. The Norwegian side, who seemed incapable of dealing with their opponents, made costly errors that allowed Japan to take the lead on two occasions.

Ingrid Syrstad Engen inadvertently redirected Hinata Miyazawa's early long-range shot into her own net, conceding a goal for Japan. However, Norway managed to equalize with an impressive header from Chelsea's Guro Reiten, their first on-target attempt of the match.

Japan's lack of efficiency in attack hindered their progress before the halftime break. Nonetheless, just five minutes into the second half, Vilda Boe Risa's dreadful pass within her own penalty area gift-wrapped an opportunity for Risa Shimizu, the West Ham defender. Shimizu capitalized on the chance and successfully restored Japan's lead.

Norway eventually brought on star striker Ada Hegerberg, who had been uncertain due to an injury, during the last 15 minutes. Hege Riise made a tactical decision to prioritize offense over defense.

However, Norway faced consequences as Japan capitalized on a breakaway to score their third goal. This was achieved by Golden Boot leader Miyazawa, who notched her fifth goal of the tournament. As a result, Japan secured a place in the quarter-finals where they will face either the USA or Sweden.

How Japan showed class again to see off Norway

After an impressive display in their final group game, where they scored 11 unanswered goals and defeated Spain 4-0, the attention turned to Japan's remarkable performance against the 1995 champions, Norway.

Their showing in Wellington demonstrated a different style of play, yet it still showcased their exceptional skills. Within the first minute, Aoba Fujino's aggressive play inside the Norway box nearly created a scoring opportunity, setting the tone for what was to come.

Whereas Japan had seen off Spain with barely 20 per cent of the ball, they had plenty of it against Norway and controlled the match almost from start to finish.

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Risa Shimizu fired Japan back in front shortly after half-time in Wellington

Syrstad Engen delivered the killer touch that was missing, expertly redirecting Miyazawa's shot with her outstretched foot 15 minutes into the game. This sudden burst of energy ignited Norway and led to an unexpected equalizer. Emilie Haavi's impressive sprint through midfield created the opportunity, while Reiten's leaping header gave Ayaka Yamashita no chance to stop the goal.

Japan struggled to break through Norway's strong defense in the first half, but their persistence paid off just five minutes into the second half. Following a thwarted attack by Japan near Norway's penalty area, Boe Risa made a surprising and unwise pass in her own territory, allowing Shimizu to capitalize on the opportunity and score with a deflected shot past Aurora Mikalsen.

Chances were scarce for both teams until Hegeberg was introduced. Shortly after, Norway had an opportunity to equalize when Caroline Graham Hansen was sent through in the penalty area, but her shot narrowly missed the far post.

With one less player in defense after the substitution, Norway became more susceptible to their opponents' attacks as they took more risks to stay in the World Cup.

What's next?

Their nightmare exit was sealed with just nine minutes remaining when Fujino played a brilliant through pass to Miyazawa, who calmly slotted the ball past Mikalsen, causing her teammates to erupt in wild celebrations. This victory guaranteed Japan's spot in the quarter-finals.

What's next?

Japan will now await the outcome of Sunday's last-16 match between USA and Sweden, as they prepare to face the winner on Friday at 8:30 am.

What is the schedule?

The round of 16 is set to occur from August 5 to August 8 wherein a total of eight matches will be played in various locations across Australia and New Zealand.

Following the round of 16, the quarter-finals are planned to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.

The first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, while the second semi-final will take place at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 16. The final will be held at the Accor Stadium on August 20. Preceding the final, a third-place play-off will be played in Brisbane on August 19.