England Lionesses train ahead of Women’s World Cup clash with Nigeria
The Women’s World Cup knockout stages are underway as Japan take on Norway in the last-16 this morning in Wellington.
Japan were the top scorers in the group stage and have emerged as one of the tournament favourites after thrashing Spain 4-0 to finish top of Group C. The 2011 champions scored 11 goals in the group stage without conceding, but the knockout stages bring a different pressure and Norway have a star-studded squad that could bring Japan’s party to an early end.
Norway struggled for form in the group stage in what has been a turbulent campaign so far for Hege Riise’s side. Norway faced elimination after an opening defeat to New Zealand but the recalled Caroline Graham Hansen starred in their 6-0 win over the Philippines as they advanced to the knockouts, and Riise will hope her side have turned a corner.
In the earlier game, Aitana Bonmati scored a stunning brace as Spain reached the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a commanding 5-1 win over Switzerland. Spain were under pressure after their 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stages but responded in style and will now face either Netherlands or South Africa in the last eight.
Follow live updates from Japan vs Norway in the Women’s World Cup last-16
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan vs Norway
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GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 3-1 Norway
It’s a textbook Japan counter-attack! And it looks to have finished off Norway!
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:40
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
77 mins: CLOSE! Norway’s best moment of the second half, and they are inches away from being level! Graham Hansen roams inside, but her dribble instead breaks to Karina Sævik – the substitute aims across goal but drags her shot wide from the angle!
Maanum then finds the target, but is unable to trouble Yamashita.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:39
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
74 mins: Now, here comes Ada Hegerberg. Norway’s star striker is back after being ruled out of their previous two games with a groin injury and it’s an attacking change from Hege Riise. The left-back Hansen is replaced as Hegerberg is thrown forward.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:34
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
73 mins: Almost an immediate impact from Ueki! The forward goes on a bursting run down the line, before showing her class as she ducked inside and beat the Norway defenders.
The cut-back looked for Miyazawa, but Mjelde read it well and was able to head back to her goalkeeper.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:33
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
70 mins: Hinata Miyazawa is inches away from threading a perfect through ball to Tanaka, but it runs just a touch too far. So much of Japan’s game plan is built on those fine margins, taking risks on low-percentage passes and believing they can lead to high-quality chances. It hasn’t quite come off today but they are still in a good position.
Japan will now make their first change – as Riko Ueki replaces Tanaka.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:30
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
66 mins: I don’t think this is the most impressive Japan have been at the World Cup – but they have been able to quietly shut Norway down with their possession and territory. Norway have barely been able to get out of their half and have struggled to build any attacking pressure, but much of that is down to Norway.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:27
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
61 mins: Caroline Graham Hansen has not been able to make much of an impact so far, perhaps given how deep she has been. It’s time for Norway’s first two changes: on comes Maanum for Boe Risa, whose error led to Japan’s goal. Hegerberg is not among the double switch, with Emilie Haavi on instead.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:23
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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
55 mins: Well, Norway have ccome back once, but conceding another soft goal like that is hardly going to help the team’s confidence. The big questions is how fit Ada Hegerberg is, and how much she could contribute in the second half. Sophie Román Haug has not had the same impact against Japan.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:18
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GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
Shimizu was so alert to pounce on this ball. It shows how advanced Japan’s wing-backs are too, given she was in the position to intercept it.
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:15
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GOAL! Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan 2-1 Norway
Japan retake the lead and it’s anoher defensive nightmare for Norway!
After Japan threatened the Norway penalty area, Vilde Bøe Risa had the chance to clear but instead attempted a back-pass inside her own area. It’s cut out by the wing-back Risa Shimizu, whose finish is then deflected in! Japan’s pressure pays off, but that’s another avoidable goal for Norway to concede.
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood5 August 2023 10:09
