WWC: Champs Japan on course

FIFA Women’s World Cup holders Japan are into the quarter-finals after goals in each half were enough for a 2-1 win over The Netherlands in their Round of 16 match.

The victory now sets up the Nadeshiko for a quarter final match against Australia.

Japan controlled the contest and possession from the first minute, with the Dutch struggling for ideas at times against an organised defence. Netherlands did have an early salvo from Sherida Spitse, which flew over the bar from 20 metres.