Ogawa Double Moves Japan to Cusp of World Cup Qualification as Rivals Falter

Japan's Rise to Victory

Japan's football team has taken a significant step towards qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Thursday.

Goals from Yui Hasegawa and Mina Tanaka sealed the victory for Japan, who now sit top of Group C with 12 points from four matches.

The victory was particularly impressive as Japan was without several key players, including captain Saki Kumagai and star forward Mana Iwabuchi.

Uzbekistan's Missed Opportunity

The defeat for Uzbekistan was a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Uzbekistan, who had won their previous two matches in Group C, remain in third place with six points from four matches.

They will need to win their remaining two matches and hope that other results go their way if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

Other Group C Results

In the other Group C match, Australia beat Vietnam 4-0 in Sydney.

The victory keeps Australia in second place in the group, with nine points from four matches.

Vietnam remains bottom of the group with zero points from four matches.

Conclusion

Japan's victory over Uzbekistan has put them in a strong position to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Uzbekistan's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup are now hanging by a thread, while Australia's victory keeps them in the hunt for a top-two finish.

The final two rounds of matches in Group C will be played in April 2023.