An opportunity goal in the 90th minute helped Japan beat
Argentina 1-0 in a Group A match of the current FIFA Women's World
Cup in Shanghai Friday evening.
With the victory, Japan has gained four points. The team drew
with England 2-2 three days ago.
Argentina, the South American champion, has been knocked out of
the tournament with two losses. The team was thrashed 11-0 in the
opener of the tournament Monday.
Japan looked better and sharper in the action, threatening
Argentina's goal many times and controlling the ball most of
time.
Japan missed a golden scoring chance two minutes into the game,
but the close range shot was denied by the post.
In the first half, Japan got four corners and shot three times
on the goal, while the South American champions only snatched one
corner and failed to threaten their opponent's goal even once.
After the break, Japan controlled the court throughout, bombing
the target frequently, but their efforts were all denied by
Argentina's goalkeeper Romina Ferro.
Yuki Nagasato finally put the Japanese team ahead when she
converted a ball blocked by the goalkeeper in front of the goal in
the 90th minute.
Japan will face defending champions Germany Next Monday in
Hangzhou.
(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2007