Japan sealed FIFA World Cup quarterfinals thanks to a faultless performance and a hat rick by midfielder Homare Sawa against Mexico on Friday in front of 22.291 spectators at BayArena.

Japan started highly motivated into the match as underdog Mexico showed no interest to take over control. Subsequently Japan took the lead with 13 minutes into the match as Sawa nodded home a free kick cross from the left side.

Only two minutes later Japan extended the lead thanks to Nagasato Ohno who shrugged off two defender to slot home the 2-0 lead.

Japan had not enough whereas Mexico focused on defence work. A corner from the left wing utilized Sawa to seal her brace six minutes before break.

After the break Japan retracted with safe lead until Sawa scored the fourth goal of the match ten minutes before final whistle.

Japan are already qualified for quarterfinals in group B with top position. At the third match day of group B, New Zealand face Mexico while England encounter Japan.

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