FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011:England beats Japan 2-0

England beats Japan 2-0 in Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 

England's Ellen White celebrates a goal against

Japan during their soccer match in Augsburg

Women's World Cup.

England turned the threat of first-round elimination into Group B victory with a 2-0 wins over Japan to reach the Women's World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.

After a lackluster first two games, England was spectacular in its decisive game. After 15 minutes, Sophie Bradley sent a deep ball from her half toward Ellen White, who forward spotted goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori off her line.

 

In the 66th, England came up with a second good goal, when Rachel Unitt shrugged off several Japanese defenders to set up substitute forward Rachel Yankey for a delicate chip and the insurance goal.

Japan was supposed to be all about skill while England relied on power and push, but with an inspired performance and great goals, the Europeans disproved it.

With the tournament on the line, England was aggressive and played with passion throughout, while Japan rarely thrilled the crowd of 20,777.

In another match, last-gasp goals from Hannah Wilkinson and Captain Rebecca Smith earned New Zealand a 2-2 draw with Mexico. Mexico and New Zealand were eliminated.