Japan eliminated in the round of 16 in 2019, now in the quarterfinals
Norway, quarterfinalists in 2019, return home in the round of 16

Japan has reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023.

Japan, ranked 11th in the world in women’s soccer by FIFA, defeated Norway, ranked 12th, 3-1 in the Round of 16 at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday (June 5).

After reaching the round of 16 in 2019, Japan is back in the quarterfinals. Japan’s previous best result at the Women’s World Cup was a win in 2011.

Norway, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 tournament, was eliminated in the round of 16.

Japan will face the winner of the Sweden-USA match in the quarterfinals.

Japan took the lead in the 15th minute on an own goal. Norway’s Ingrid Surstad Engen scored the own goal.

Norway equalized in the fifth minute. Kuro Leiten rattled the net with a high header.

After starting the second half with the score tied at 1-1, Japan took the lead just five minutes later. Risa Shimizu broke up a pass in the Norwegian box and slotted home.

Trailing 1-2, Norway had a crucial chance to equalize in the 31st minute of the second half but failed to capitalize.

Substitute Karina Sevik’s right-footed shot went wide. Frida Monum followed up with a shot that went straight at Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.

With Norway failing to capitalize on their scoring chances, Japan struck in the 36th minute to make it 3-1. Aoba Fujino played an exquisite penetrating pass and Hinata Miyazawa knocked a ground ball into the corner of the goal.

Miyazawa scored her fifth goal of the tournament to take sole possession of the scoring lead. 스포츠토토 The game ended with a 3-1 victory for Japan.