SHANGHAI, China -- Japan scored in injury time for the
second game in a row in the women's World Cup to beat Argentina 1-0
and preserve its hopes of reaching the quarterfinals.
Yuki Nagasato poked in a shot after Argentina goalkeeper Romina
Ferro failed to hold a low hard shot by substitute Yukari Kinga.
The late goal comes three days after Japan scored on the final
kick of the game to earn a 2-2 draw with England. Argentina was
trounced 11-0 by defending champion Germany in its opening game.
The top two teams advance from Group A, and England plays
Germany later Friday.
Japan now needs only a draw in its final game against Germany to
be certain of a quarterfinal berth.
The closest Argentina came to scoring was midway through the
second half when a shot from about 44 yards by Fabiana Vallejos
fooled goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto but hit the post.
Japan threw players forward in the last 10 minutes and forced
Ferro into action, including having to punch a hard shot from Kinga
over the crossbar.
Ferro started in goal in place of Vanina Correa who played
against Germany. Catalina Perez was also back after missing the
opening game because of suspension, and gave more experience to
Argentina's defense.
The first half was dominated by Japan, but with few scoring
chances. The best came in the third minute when fullback Kozue Ando
hit the post off a corner kick.
The group finishes Monday with Germany playing Japan and England
taking on Argentina.
The group winner plays the second-place team from Group B, which
has the United States, Sweden, North Korea and Nigeria. The
second-place team plays the Group B winner.
Argentina 0 - 1 Japan