Japan keeps title defense alive

Mizuho Sakaguchi scored what turned out to be the deciding goal in the 78th minute on a pretty left-footed shot from the top of the 18-yard box as defending Women's World Cup champion Japan held off a late attack to beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Tuesday night and reach the quarterfinal.

Kirsten van de Ven scored for the Dutch in stoppage time when the ball went off goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori's right arm. Three additional minutes had been added to the clock.

Sakaguchi scored shortly after Japan nearly had an own goal. Sherida Spitse took a corner in the 76th and the ball deflected off Aya Sameshima toward her own net when Kaihori punched it away with her right fist.