Japan beat Norway 3 – 1 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Japan started the match brightly and dictated the pace of the encounter early on. The constant pressure resulted in an own goal in favour of Japan when Mikalsen is caught off guard when a low threatening cross from the right is deflected by Engen’s outstretched leg.
Norway’s equaliser comes from Guro Reiten. A cross from the right is met by the Chelsea midfielder, who gets terrific power behind her header, which loops into the corner. First shot on goal, first chance.
Throughout the encounter, the Norwegians were terrible at defending set-pieces. Japan has regained the lead in the 49th minute. A stunning back-pass inside the box finds Risa Shimizu, who calmly slots home.
Japan dominated proceedings and in the 80th minute, Miyazawa got a third to put the game past the Norwegians.
Japan’s starting XI: Yamashita, Takahashi, Kumagai, Minami, Shimizu, Nagano, Hasegawa, Endo, Fujino, Mina Tanaka, Miyazawa.
Norway’s starting XI: Mikalsen, Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Tuva Hansen, Engen, Risa, Reiten, Caroline Hansen, Haug, Haavi.
