Miyazawa strikes again as Japan beat Norway to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Hinata Miyazawa scored her fifth goal of the Women's World Cup on Saturday to seal a 3-1 win over Norway and put Japan into the quarter-finals against Sweden or holders the United States.

In a last-16 clash in Wellington between two former champions, an Ingrid Syrstad Engen own-goal gave Japan an early lead in front of 33,000 fans.

Norway hit back with a brilliant Guro Reiten header to make it 1-1 at half-time.

The Norwegian defence buckled in the face of constant Japanese pressure when defender Risa Shimizu put her side back into the lead before Miyazawa struck again.

The 23-year-old is now the tournament's top scorer.

The 2011 champions Japan had breezed into the last 16 with an immaculate three wins, chalking up 11 goals without reply in the group stages.

Norway recovered from a shock defeat against co-hosts New Zealand on the opening day to draw with Switzerland before beating the Philippines 6-0 to advance.

The Norwegians were without 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg after she failed to make the starting side due to a groin injury.

Japan controlled the opening exchanges.

Miyazawa came within a whisker of grabbing the opener inside 60 seconds, but failed to connect with a short cross from close range.

Japan's early pressure told when Engen watched in horror after stabbing Miyazawa's cross into her own net on 15 minutes.

Japan's players always bow to acknowledge the support at this Women's World Cup ❤️