Miyazawa scores her fifth goal of Women's World Cup as Japan beats Norway 3-1 to reach quarterfinals

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Japan scored its 14th goal of the Women's World Cup and conceded its first Saturday, beating Norway 3-1 to reach the quarterfinals for the fourth time.Hinata Miyazawa sealed the win with her fifth goal of the tournament in the 81st minute to remain the leading scorer. Risa Shimizu's 50th-minute goal followed an Ingrid Syrstad Engen own goal in the first half to help give Japan its fourth straight win of the tournament. With five goals the 23-year-old Miyazawa equals the record for a Japan player at a World Cup.

Homare Sawa scored five in 2011 when Japan won the tournament. She won the Golden Boot that year. This Japan team already has scored more goals than the 2011 team.

Guro Reiten headed a superb goal for Norway in the 21st minute to end Japan's flawless defensive performance and leave the teams locked 1-1 a halftime. After beating Spain 4-0 with only 23% of possession in its group-stage finale, Japan once again was a tactical chameleon in the round of 16 — playing with more than 60% of possession in a commanding performance. Japan traded its regular blue uniform for pastel colors Saturday, pink and purple.

The softer color scheme did nothing to dull its attacking style; it pressed forward from the start and had its first corner after two minutes. «We knew Norway were going to play to their strength but all of our players really worked hard,» Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda said. «We made several adjustments in the second half and it was great that they led to the goals and the win.

»Whether we are No 1, we will find out if we continue winning. We will find out at the end." While it was ineffective, it was an early declaration of intent. With long balls or sharp, quick passing, Japan continually pressed forward and Norway,