In their Women's World Cup journey, Japan notched their 14th goal but also conceded their first, as they secured a 3-1 victory against Norway on Saturday, ensuring their advancement to the quarter-finals for the fourth time.

Sealing the triumph, Hinata Miyazawa found the net for her fifth goal of the tournament in the 81st minute, solidifying her position as the leading scorer. A goal by Risa Shimizu in the 50th minute, along with an own goal by Ingrid Syrstad Engen in the first half, propelled Japan to secure their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.

With a skillful header, Guro Reiten found the back of the net, ending Japan's unblemished defensive run and equalizing the score at 1-1 for both teams as halftime approached. After their group-stage finale, in which they triumphed 4-0 against Spain despite holding only 23 percent of the possession, Japan once again demonstrated their tactical flexibility in the round of 16, asserting control with a dominating possession rate of over 60 percent.

With a combination of extended passes and rapid, accurate exchanges, Japan sustained unyielding offensive pressure, consistently unsettling Norway's defensive stability, despite Norway having only conceded one goal in the group stage.
The game-changing moment unfolded in an unconventional manner. In the 15th minute, Miyazawa skillfully curved the ball from the left, causing Engen's leg to unintentionally redirect it. The deflection evaded goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen, resulting in the tournament's eighth own goal.

While Japan seemed to be in command, Norway signaled their first moment of danger Vilda Boe Rise made a break down the right flank, reached the byline, and sent a cross towards the middle, where Reiten elevated to direct the ball beyond the diving Ayaka Yamashita, finding the left corner of the net.

At the 50-minute mark, Shimizu capitalized on Japan's renewed offensive push from midfield. Miyazawa's attempt to manage the ball near the goal was thwarted by Boe Risa, who inadvertently granted Shimizu an opening with an ill-advised back pass. This blunder allowed Shimizu to exploit the situation from the right and successfully score. Miyazawa executed a polished finish, mirroring textbook precision. She skillfully connected with an exceptional through ball and adeptly guided her shot beyond the outstretched Mikalsen, cementing the victory for her team.