As it happened: Dominant Japan through to quarter-finals, European powerhouse Norway sent packing

Well, the opening day of the knockout phase did not disappoint.

Spain came in hot with a 5-1 win over Switzerland in Eden Park before Japan put Norway to the sword with a 3-1 victory over the European powerhouse at Wellington Regional Stadium.

It means Spain and Japan continue to the quarter-finals, while Switzerland and Norway are out.

It’s another big day tomorrow with the Netherlands and South Africa going head-to-head before world ranked No.1 and reigning World Cup champions USA take on world ranked No.3 Sweden.

Get some rest and we’ll see you then!

Goodnight football fans and thanks for joining me today.

JapanCredit: X06790

With Switzerland bowing to Spain earlier today and now Norway sent packing after Japan’s masterclass victory, all of Group A (including New Zealand and the Philippines) are out of the tournament.

It was fun while it lasted - thanks for coming, Group A, the first to play, the first to leave.

Australia captain Sam Kerr has confirmed to media she’ll play in the Matildas’ knockout clash against Denmark on Monday.

Sam Kerr and Emily van Egmond.Credit: Getty

The superstar striker said she was available against Canada but didn’t make an appearance as Australia looked in control of the entire game and never let up their lead.

“I’m really excited,” Kerr told 9News on Saturday after touching down in Sydney.

“I will play.”

If and when Kerr plays, it will be her first minutes in Women’s World Cup, of which she is largely the face of.

The team will prepare for the knockout match in Western Sydney.

Well! Japan are through to the quarter-finals and Norway have crashed out.

Japan are looking more and more like a genuine contender to go all the way with every match they play this tournament. And their star striker Hinata Miyazawa has now scored the most goals of any player so far this tournament with five.

Japan’s group stage run was almost flawless - scoring eleven goals and conceding none - and although their clean sheet run ended tonight, they did manage a comprehensive and impressive win over European powerhouse Norway.

Japan 3, Norway 1 FT.

JapanCredit: X06790

Japan’s goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita has made one of the saves of the tournament with the ball looking almost guaranteed to slot through from a Norway header but somehow Yamashita’s hands stopped it.

It keeps Japan’s two-goal advantage as we head into extra time (five minutes).

Japan 3, Norway 1.

Japan haven’t taken their foot off the gas and keep coming. They are peppering the goal and looking for another despite the 3-1 lead.

There’s less than a minute in regular time.

Japan 3, Norway 1.

Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa has scored her fifth goal this tournament - and it looks to seal the win with her side!

She streamed towards goal and, with composure and nerves of steel, slotted it through.

With that, Japan made have booked their ticket to the quarter-finals and sent the European powerhouse Norway packing.

The goal came as Norway started to look to focus more on attack and sent more players forward to try and clinch a goal back.

Japan 3, Norway 1.

Hinata MiyazawaCredit: Getty

Japan have successfully cleared Norway’s first corner of the match and are now on the counterattack.

Japan have had 12 shots to Norway’s two. Japan have also blocked five shots to none.

Japan 2, Norway 1.

Norway have won a corner. It’s the first time they’ve created a solid opportunity to score since their first-half goal.

Japan 2, Norway 1.

Norway have twenty minutes to find their next goal or they’ll be sent packing.

If they manage to square things up, the game will be sent to extra time + penalties for the first time this tournament.

However, they’re all defence at the moment as Japan continue to pepper the goal.

For Japan, in a like-for-like sub, Minami Tanaka has been taken off and put on Riko Ueki.

Japan 2, Norway 1.