Japan see off Scotland to kick-start World Cup bidRENNES, France: Mana Iwabuchi set Japan on their way to a 2-1 victory over Scotland in Rennes on Friday as the 2011 winners gave their women’s World Cup campaign a shot in the arm. Yuika Sugasawa also converted a penalty as the Nadeshiko closed on qualifying for the last 16, just four days after a disappointing display in a goalless draw against outsiders Argentina. As they had done in that match, they found themselves 2-0 down at the interval before a crowd of more than 13,000 at Roazhon Park, including a large contingent from Scotland and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Sugasawa duly dispatched the penalty, and Hina Sugita then hit the bar from close range. Clelland, of Fiorentina, did find the net from 25 yards with two minutes to go, but it proved to be a mere consolation, and their hopes of qualifying for the last 16 at their debut World Cup are slim before a final group game against Argentina in Paris.

Source: Ethiopian News June 14, 2019 15:22 UTC