Japan v Cameroon
FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFA Women's World Cup
Aya Sameshima - 6'
Yuika Sugasawa - 17'
Ajara Nchout - 90'
Japan beat Cameroon to secure place in knockout round
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Aya Sameshima scored in the 6th minute as defending champion Japan became the first team at the Women's World Cup to secure a berth in the knockout stage with a 2-1 victory over Cameroon on Friday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Yuika Sugasawa added a header off a cross by Aya Miyama in the 17th minute for Japan (2-0), which held on for the win. Cameroon scored in the 90th minute after a strong run and shot by Ajara Nchout.
Cameroon nearly tied the game in stoppage time on a header by Gaelle Enganamouit, but her shot missed just to the left.
Japan plays its final group stage match against Ecuador on Tuesday, while Cameroon (1-1) face Switzerland.