Japan and Spain secure places in Women’s World Cup quarter-finals | OneFootball

Japan continue their impressive form by making it through to the quarter-finals and Spain smash Switzerland to restore the nation’s hopes of winning the Women’s World Cup…

BY IZZY YARD

Japan 3-1 Norway

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Japan have made it into the quarter-finals of the World Cup after beating Norway in the round of 16.

Norway had a nightmare start to the game, conceding an own goal to give Japan the lead. Ingrid Engen deflected a cross into the bottom right-hand corner which Aurora Mikalsen couldn’t keep out of the net.

Norway, however, did make up for this disaster and equalised just five minutes after with their first chance of the game. Guro Reiten got her head on the end of Vilde Boa Risa’s cross to knock it into to the top left corner.

And they went back in front in the second half after a terrible mistake from Risa allowed Risa Shimizu to angle a low right-footed finish into the bottom corner.

Japan made it three in the 81st minute as Hinata Miyazawa slotted the ball into the bottom corner to send her country through to the quarters.

Japan will now play either Sweden or defending champions USA in the last eight.

Spain 5-1 Switzerland

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Spain redeemed themselves after their humiliating defeat against Japan by thrashing Switzerland to reach the quarter-finals.

Spain scored inside the first five minutes through Aitana Bonmatí’s curling effort into the top corner.

But their lead didn’t last for long as Laia Codina’s own goal saw Switzerland to equalise.

Alba Redondo headed the ball into the bottom corner after a lovely curling cross from Ona Batlle to put Spain back in front soon after.

And Bonmatí got her second goal of the game after she beat a couple defenders in the box and scored passed Gaëlle Thalmann.

La Roja looked back on form and extended their lead just before the half-time whistle when defender Laia Codina poked the ball home.

Spain showed a similar dominant display in the second half however Switzerland were close to getting one back with a huge chance for Meriame Terchoun, who blasted her effort straight at the keeper.

Spain kept their foot on the gas and got the fifth and final goal through Jennifer Hermoso, who curled into the top corner to send them through to the quarter finals.