The last round of 16 match at the Women’s World Cup saw Japan lead the Netherlands most of the match and survive a late fightback to win 2-1 in Vancouver.

Saori ARIYOSHI opened the scoring ten minutes in, following up a Yūki ŌGIMI header that struck the bar. In the 78th minute, the Nadeshiko doubled their advantage in brilliant fashion, Aya MIYAMA playing a ball that was dummied by Mana IWABUCHI before Mizuho SAKAGUCHI struck home. In stoppage time, Kirsten VAN DE VEN’s shot slipped through the arms of Japan keeper Ayumi KAIHORI, but the Netherlands could not find a second goal in the frantic last minute.

Japan, now three matches away from a repeat title, travel to Edmonton on Saturday to face Australia.