By Debby von Winckelmann
Japan defeated Ecuador 1-0 on Tuesday to claim the top spot in Group C, while Cameroon beat Switzerland 2-1 for second place. Ecuador was the only team eliminated from the group, with the other three moving on to the Round of 16.
The defending champions managed to earn the full nine points in the group, despite scoring just four goals in the three group matches. The Japanese netted just one goal against Ecuador, a team that was outscored 16 to 1 in its matches against Cameroon and Switzerland.
It looked like it might be more of the same when Yuki Ogimi scored for Japan in the 5th minute, after Ecuadorian goalkeeper Shirley Berruz was unable to get to a cross in the box. Ecuador was able to hold tight for the rest of the match, however, for its best performance of the tournament. Ecuador exits the tournament with just one goal and zero points.
Japan will play again on Tuesday, June 23, taking on the Netherlands, Thailand, or the third place team from Group F.
Cameroon came from behind, scoring two goals in the second half to defeat Switzerland 2-1.
Ana Maria Crnogorcevic scored in the 24th minute to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead. After the break, Gabrielle Onguene scored the equalizer in the 47th minute and Madeleine Ngono Mani came off the bench and headed in the game-winner in the 62nd minute.
Cameroon will take on China, the second place team from Group A, on Saturday, June 20.
Switzerland also advances, taking on either Germany on Saturday, June 20, or Canada on Sunday, June 21.
