Japan are through to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Australia.

The Asian side dominated the opening 10 minutes and almost took the lead through Shinobu Ohno, whose long-range effort marginally went over the bar.

The veteran forward missed a great chance 15 minutes later, when she blazed the ball over from inside the box at the end of a counter-attacking move.

Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams was then forced into a save to keep out Aya Miyama's effort, before a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner was hacked away inside the six-yard box.

The Aussies had their best chance early in the second half when Samantha Kerr was sent through on goal, but she hit her shot straight at the keeper.

However, Japan snatched victory late on when Mana Iwabuchi smashed the ball in after Azusa Iwashimizu's header was blocked inside the penalty area.

Japan will face England in the semi-finals.

Written by
Charlie Bennett