Fifa 2011 Women's World Cup: Japan through to quarter-finals

July 3, 2011 - 0:0

Japan 4-0 Mexico

Japan have advanced to the last-eight stage after a 4-0 thrashing of Mexico, with an early Shinobu Ohno header followed by a Howare Sawa hat-trick.
The Asian side go the lead in the opening quarter of the match, as a free-kick sent in from the left met the head of Ohno in the area. Just two minutes later, Sawa dribbled past two Mexican players before sending a right-footed shot into the net to increase her side's lead.
The third goal came six minutes before the break, when Sawa appeared in the near post to head home a corner from the left. The Japanese midfielder would score her third goal in the 80th minute as she sent the ball home from the inside of the area after some good work by Yukari Kinga down the right flank.
New Zealand 1-2 England
England came from behind to cancel out a first-half goal from Sarah Gregorious with strikes from Jill Scott and Jessica Clarke.
New Zealand shocked the spectators at the Glucksgas Stadium, in Dresden, with an 18th minute goal. Gregorious got between two England defenders and slotted home Amber Hearn’s cross from the left.
England responded on 63 minutes with Jill Scott's header following a cross from another Scott, Alex. The winning goal came in the 81st minute, when the on-rushing Clarke fired home a shot from close range.
Japan are automatically through to the quarter finals, while England will be hoping for at least one point against the Asian side to make sure they will not be leapfrogged by Mexico.