Japan have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup by beating the Netherlands 2-1 in Vancouver.
A bright start from the Dutch almost handed them an early goal when Manon Melis sprinted clear of the Japanese defence, but she lost her balance at the crucial moment inside the box and was unable to unleash an effort at goal.
The opener arrived in just the 10th minute when a Yuki Ogimi shot struck the crossbar and the rebound fell to Saori Ariyoshi, who kept her composure to find the bottom corner with a powerful low strike.
Poor marking gifted Japan the opportunity to double their lead, but Aya Miyama could only send her effort wide of the post from a promising position, and they threatened again before the break when Shinobu Ohno came agonisingly close to finding the bottom corner with a header.
The pattern of the game continued in the second half, with the Netherlands often struggling to make the most of counter-attacking opportunities as Japan went in search of a vital second goal.
Rumi Utsugi and Ogimi both threatened Loes Gurts with shots from distance, but their speculative efforts drifted wide as Japan fought to kill the game off.
The Dutch attack finally enjoyed a spell on top heading into the closing stages, with Japan goalkeeper Aymu Kaihori coming to the rescue to keep out Kirsten van de Ven from close range.
Kaihori's save proved to be crucial as Japan secured the win 12 minutes from time when a patient passing move ended with Mizuho Sakaguchi curling home from the edge of the box.
A weak header from Van de Ven somehow managed to sneak past Kaihori in stoppage time as the Dutch hit back late on, but it was not enough to prevent Japan from progressing.
