Japan have opened up their Olympic Group F campaign with a 2-1 win over Canada in Coventry.
It was Japan who started the match the stronger, with their midfield running causing the Canadians problems in the early stages.
Chances remained few and far between as the half approached its latter stages, but Japan used their technical prowess to dominate large spells of possession.
The opening goal of the half came after 33 minutes when Nahomi Kawasumi latched onto a loose ball to strike into the back of the net.
Meanwhile, it was 2-0 on the stroke of the interval when Aya Miyama struck from close range.
Canada found a way back into the match after 55 minutes when Melissa Tancredi struck from inside the box, while she came close to levelling it 10 minutes later.
The Canadians continued to push in the latter stages, but Japan held on for the vital three points.
Matt Law
