Japan and Spain advance to quarterfinals as Norway and Switzerland knocked out of World Cup

Japan and Spain advance to quarterfinals as Norway and Switzerland knocked out of World Cup
Grace Fisher
Grace Fisher

Japan is headed to the Women's World Cup quarter-finals for a fourth time after a 3-1 victory over Norway.

The first goal of that game was a header from Guro Reiten for Norway, but an own goal from Ingrid Engen and a strike from Risa Shimizu put Japan ahead. Hinata Miyazawa's 81st minute goal clinched the deal and, as her fifth of the tournament, means she's the leading goalscorer or the tournament.

Japan will now play the winner of Sunday's do-or-die matchup between the U.S. and Sweden.

Meanwhile, five days after a painful 4-0 loss to Japan, Spain defeated Switzerland 5-1 to book their own quarter-final slot. Aitana Bonmati scored twice, and though her back pass gone wrong turned into an own goal, Spanish centre-back Laia Codina redeemed herself with a goal in the opponents' net. Alba Redondo and Jenny Hermoso also scored.

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It is the first time Spain has made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Spain will face the winner of the South Africa-Netherlands match, who play each other Sunday morning.

 

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