Nadeshiko Japan through to World Cup Last 8

Japan women’s soccer team qualified for the FIFA World Cup Canada 2015 quarter finals by beating Holland 2-1 on Tuesday evening in Vancouver.

Saori Ariyoshi hit home a loose ball in the first half and Mizuho Sakaguchi hit a beautiful strike into the top corner after a well worked move in the 78th-minute. Holland did pull a goal back at the end but Japan never looked in trouble.

The defending champions now move to Edmonton for their quarter-final against Australia on Saturday.

Photos by our own photographer Yusuke Nakanishi who is over in Canada covering the tournament.

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FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Round of 16  : Japan 2-1 Holland
Japanese captain Aya Miyama hits a corner in the second half.

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Round of 16  : Japan 2-1 Holland
Japanese players celebrate.

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Round of 16  : Japan 2-1 Holland
Nahomi Kawasumi takes a shot.

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Round of 16  : Japan 2-1 Holland
Japanese players Aya Miyama and Mana Iwabuchi enjoy the occasion.