Japan vs. Norway highlights: Miyazawa propels Japan into quarterfinals
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup continued Saturday with a round of 16 matchup between Japan and Norway at Regional Stadium in Wellingtonk, New Zealand.
Japan was dominant in its three-game sweep of Group C, scoring the most goals throughout the group stage, with 11.
It continued its dominance Saturday morning, as prolific scorer Hinata Miyazawa (tournament-leading five goals so far) powered her team to its fourth consecutive win and into the quarterfinals.
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Japan will next take on the winner of Sunday's match between the USA and Sweden (Sunday at 5 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
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90+1: Turned away!
Ayaka Yamashita put a stamp on the W with this incredible leaping save in extra time.
81': Who else?
She's the tournament's leading goalscorer for a reason! How about another for Miyazawa?
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77': This close!
Norway didn't get many chances in the second half, and this attempt from Karina Saevik was probably its best chance to tie the game, but it was just hit too far left.
50': In the driver's seat!
Japan's persistence paid off in the 50th minute, when a slew of nifty passes freed up Risa Shimzu, who put away a nice chip shot.
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41': Off the mark
Japan is used to scoring goals in bunches, and though it only found the back of the net once in the first half, it created plenty of chances to increase that number
20': Back comes Norway!
Norway stormed back into the game with a perfectly placed header by Guro Reiten.
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15': Unintended outcome
It came as a result of an error, but Japan's forceful attacks coaxed an own goal from Norway's back line.
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6': All effort
Japan's manager Futoshi Ikeda was visibly pleased with his team's energy to open this one, as it had Norway's defense scrambling to stop it.
1': No cigar
Not even a minute into the match, Japan's offense putting the pressure on, and it nearly came up with a go-ahead score within seconds of the opening whistle.
PREGAME
Setting the stage
The World Cup NOW crew previewed the match live on Twitter.
Meet the stars
The pregame show featured a couple of features giving fans some insight into key players in the match — one of the aforementioned Haug, and one on Japan's Miyazawa. Watch them below.
Thank you, fans!
Japan's squad paid tribute to its supporters before the game.
Check out the full Women's World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.