Goals from Moeka Minami and Remina Chiba helped Japan to a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in the Olympic women’s soccer qualifier on Sunday.
The win was Japan’s second consecutive victory in Group C and puts them in a good position for the final round of Asian qualifiers. Japan can advance to the final round of Asian qualifying with a draw against Vietnam on Wednesday.
Uzbekistan threatened at the start of the match, but Japan soon took control. Minami scored with a header from a corner in the 10th minute and Japan doubled their lead five minutes later when Chiba’s close-range shot deflected off a defender and into the net.
“It was a chance to utilize the (Asian Games) experience,” Chiba said.” I want to score goals on this stage.
Japan are now leading the group and can avoid meeting Asian rivals Australia in the final round of qualifiers if they can take the lead.
