World Cup holders Japan are through to the semi finals of the World Cup after beating Australia 1-0 in Edmonton. Mana Iwabuchi came off the bench to grab the winner 3 minutes from time, poking home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
Despite shocking Brazil in the last 16, Australia came into the tie as underdogs but managed to frustrate their opponents for large periods. The Maltildas battled hard against a technically gifted Japan side and will have been heartbroken to concede the late goal.
Despite being occasionally out-muscled by the strength of the Aussies, Japan managed to carve out numerous chances on goal. Shinobu Ohno had the Nadeshiko’s first real chance lobbing Australia’s Lydia Williams, but the ball sailed just over the bar.
Ohno was again at the focal point of the Japanese attack on 20 minutes, but the former Arsenal striker couldn’t quite wrap her foot around the ball enough to convert Mizuho Sakaguchi’s cross.
Japan held the majority of the possession and at the other end Australia struggled to create chances from open-play. Alanna Kennedy’s 30-yard free kick curled wide but was never troubling Ayumi Kaihori.
Meanwhile Japan continued to be denied in front of goal, captain Aya Miyama stung the fingers of Williams with a long-range effort just before the break.
Much like their last narrow victory over Brazil in the previous round, Australia created few opportunities but might have scored when gifted possession by some sloppy Japanese defending. Samantha Kerr’s shot proved too weak to beat Kaihori.
Japan are bidding to retain their world title and the Asians continued to press late on. Some neat link up play down the right set up Saori Ariyoshi for the cross which Miyama very nearly turned in with an improvised flick.
Former Chelsea forward Yuki Ogimi then got on the end of Nahomi Kawasumi’s impressive delivery but she could only volley wide of the near post.
The pressure finally told on 87 minutes. Australia failed to clear a corner from the left and from the resulting chaos the ball dropped kindly for Iwabuchi to prod home and send the Japanese into delirium.
Japan coach Norio Sasaki spoke of his delight at reaching the last 4. “The game-plan was executed very well,” he said. “We recognise the growth of Australia in this World Cup and my team will take confidence from this and we can build with future success.”
For Australia though, it was heartbreak as their impressive run came to an end at the quarterfinal stage for the third tournament in a row. Their coach Alen Stajcic recognised that his side were beaten by a very impressive Japanese outfit.
“Clearly the better team won, even though I thought it evened out a bit after the first 20 minutes. Japan were a lot more composed over the full 90 minutes.” Stajcic added, “most of our player are young, and it is a heart breaking moment for them, but sometimes you learn from these experiences.”
