Japan’s Women’s Soccer Team Defeats Uzbekistan 2-0 to Advance to the Olympics

Moeka Minami and Remina Chiba scored early goals as Japan beat Uzbekistan 2-0 away from home in an Olympic women’s soccer qualifier on Sunday.

Nadeshiko Japan’s second straight win in Group C puts them in a good position for the final round of Asian qualifiers, with Wednesday’s draw against Vietnam enough to advance.

The hosts posed an early threat before head coach Tomiichi Ikeda’s side began to take control of the match at Tashkent’s Bunyodko Stadium.

Nan Nan scored with a header from a corner kick in the 10th minute.

Chiba, who helped Japan win gold at the just-concluded Hangzhou Asian Games, doubled the lead for Japan five minutes later with a deflected shot from close range.

“This is a chance for me to utilize my Asian Games experience,” Chiba said.” I want to score goals on this stage.

Japan now lead the group and if they can take the lead, they will likely avoid meeting Asian heavyweights and Group A leaders Australia in the final round of qualifying.