Football: Japan, England progress

Japan 4-0 demolition of Mexico. England fought back to seal a 2-1 win against New Zealand.

LEVERKUSEN: Japan coach Norio Sasaki says his team is finally beginning to bloom after reaching the quarter-finals of the women’s World Cup with a sensational 4-0 demolition of Mexico. Captain Homare Sawa’s hat-trick and a first-half Shinobu Ohno goal ensured Japan remain unbeaten after two games. They have a maximum six points to top Group B with England having one foot in the last-eight on four points. Meanwhile, England fought back to seal a 2-1 win against New Zealand.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2011.