England dominated Japan in the last Group D match in Nice thanks to a brace by Ellen White. They thus secure the top spot in the group.
Two chances, two goals. Having already scored against Scotland (2-1, on June 9) and having been benched against Argentina (1-0, on the 14th), Ellen White made her mark on Wednesday with a brace and remarkable efficiency, on the pitch at the Nice stadium.
The English quickly gained the upper hand despite a superb free kick from Yokohama deflected by Bardsley (9th minute). Under English pressing, a clearance from Kumagai was intercepted in midfield. After that, Stanway outmaneuvered Sugita and served White in the box. With a chipped left-foot shot, the English forward avoided Yamashita’s advance and scored into the empty net (0-1, 14th minute).
The Japanese goalkeeper stood out on several occasions, notably with a deflected save from a Doggan volley (59th minute). But despite her team’s revival in the second half, she couldn’t prevent the defeat.
On another through ball, White perfectly placed the ball out of Yamashita’s reach and doubled the lead (0-2, 84th minute).
The English conclude with a third victory and achieve a clean sweep, like France and Germany. England will face China, or the third-place team from Group E or F in the round of 16. Despite their defeat, Japan finishes second in the group, just ahead of Argentina (see below). The Japanese will face either the Netherlands or Canada.
