Read the full story on SportsLook - Nadeshiko Japan Outplays Norway and Advances to the Women's World Cup Quarterfinals
Nadeshiko Japan is headed to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Second-half goals by Risa Shimizu and Hinata Miyazawa were the difference in a 3-1 victory over Norway in the round of 16 on Saturday, August 5 at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Japan will play the winner of Sunday's Sweden-United States match in the quarterfinals on Friday, August 11 at Eden Park in Auckland.
With quality offensive tactics working, Japan manager Futoshi Ikeda's squad dictated the tempo against Sweden, finishing with a 16-8 advantage in shots and 622 passes to Sweden's 406.
"We knew Norway were going to play to their strength but all of our players really worked hard," Ikeda said of the squad that won the 1995 Women's World Cup.
He added, "We made several adjustments in the second half and it was great that they led to the goals and the win."
Ikeda then turned philosophical when looking at the overall picture of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
"Whether we are No 1, we will find out if we continue winning," he said. "We will find out at the end."
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Author: Ed Odeven
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