Edmonton, Canada--A late goal from substitute Mana Iwabuchi put holders Japan into the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Australia.
Iwabuchi, 22, got the breakthrough after 87 minutes in a tense quarter-final dominated by Japan in sweltering temperatures of 31 degrees celsius in Edmonton.
It put the 2011 champions through to the last four where they next meet England who beat Canada 2-1 in Vancouver on Saturday.
The second semi-final will see Germany and the United States, both former two-time winners, playing in Ottawa.
"As the Australian players were tired I said to Mana when I sent her in: 'you are going to decide it'," explained coach Norio Sasaki of the forward who came on after 72 minutes.
It will be England's first ever World Cup semi-final and captain Steph Houghton said: "We know it's going to be a massive game on Wednesday against Japan. We've got to respect them, they're obviously the world champions for a reason.
"Now it's all about recovering obviously enjoying this moment tonight then travel to Edmonton and trying our best to get into a final."
The Japanese were dangerous early but had little to show for their efforts during the first 20 minutes in the Commonwealth Stadium.
Forward Shinobu Ohno threatened for the 'Nadeshiko' but hit over the crossbar, and soon after sent just wide.
Matildas goalie Lydia Williams proved solid as she pushed Japan captain Aya Miyama's shot on goal over the bar on 33 minutes.
Just before the break Australia had a chance to break the deadlock only for Kyah Simon's long range effort to go straight into the hands of Ayumi Kahori in goal.
AFP
