Japan has rarely had problems at this Women’s World Cup, and in brief moments when things looked close, its strategy remained steadfast: Press forward, attack, go for goals repeatedly.
Now, that attack has the Japanese in line to face either Sweden or the United States in a quarterfinal after they shut out Norway, 3-1, on Saturday night.
Not even Norway’s star striker Ada Hegerberg could resist Japan’s push as a late substitute. Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon D’Or winner, had a groin injury but entered the game with about 20 minutes remaining and Norway strengthened its attack.
Hinata Miyazawa quickly solved that, just as it looked like Norway might tie the game. Miyazawa, with a quick, explosive burst, ran past Thea Bjelde and created enough space to slow down and power up a precise strike with her left foot to give Japan a two-goal lead.
So, what did Japan do with that new comfort? Press more, attack more and limit Norway’s chances to turn the tables. Norway briefly came close with a crowd in front of goal, but Ayaka Yamashita saved a header from Karina Saevik in spectacular fashion to keep Japan’s margin intact.
Norway’s lone goal, which tied the game at 1 in the first half, was Japan’s first and only point in this tournament, a fast paced play from end to end.
But for much of the game, especially before Hegerberg came on, that 15-second burst was the only offense that remained for the Norwegians as the Japanese repeatedly pressed.
Risa Shimizu scored with an aggressive takeaway, and Japan’s first score was an own goal by Ingrid Syrstad Engen as she puts out a boot to try to stop Miyazawa from making an opening.
Miyazawa, a newfound star who had just one goal in 20 games for his club in the Japanese league last season, scored his fifth goal of this World Cup, the most of any player in this tournament. That tied Homare Sawa for the most goals by a Japanese player in a World Cup, a mark Sawa had achieved in 2011. Japan won the championship that year by defeating the United States in a penalty shootout.
Going into this tournament, Japan was seen as a solid club that was perhaps less intimidating than some of the biggest powers in the sport. It lost several games as it prepared for this tournament, including matches against the United States, Brazil and Spain. But its strategy looked more fully formed with wins over Canada and Portugal ahead of the World Cup, and Japan went through its group.
Its 4-0 victory over Spain was the strongest performance of any team in the group stage, and with its win over Norway, Japan showed that it will struggle to slow down.
Of course, the United States and Sweden want that work. But first they have to punch the showdown.
And Japan will accept the winner, knowing that its stock has risen higher, at least for now, than any other team in this World Cup.