The FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal field is set after Japan claimed the final spot with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Tuesday in Vancouver.
Playing impressive football in their bid to retain the title, the defending champions took a two-goal lead through Saori Ariyoshi and Mizuho Sakaguchi before a howler by goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori gifted the Dutch a late consolation.
Up next for the 2011 champions is a match against Australia on Saturday.
Here are the key takeaways from Day 18 at the Women's World Cup:
The final scoreline suggests a tight match, but in all the areas that mattered, Japan was clearly better than the Netherlands on Tuesday night at BC Place.