An opportunity goal in the 90th minute helped Japan beat Argentina 1-0 in a Group A match of the current FIFA Women's World Cup in Shanghai Friday evening.

 

With the victory, Japan has gained four points. The team drew with England 2-2 three days ago.

 

Argentina, the South American champion, has been knocked out of the tournament with two losses. The team was thrashed 11-0 in the opener of the tournament Monday.

 

Japan looked better and sharper in the action, threatening Argentina's goal many times and controlling the ball most of time.

 

Japan missed a golden scoring chance two minutes into the game, but the close range shot was denied by the post.

 

In the first half, Japan got four corners and shot three times on the goal, while the South American champions only snatched one corner and failed to threaten their opponent's goal even once.

 

After the break, Japan controlled the court throughout, bombing the target frequently, but their efforts were all denied by Argentina's goalkeeper Romina Ferro.

 

Yuki Nagasato finally put the Japanese team ahead when she converted a ball blocked by the goalkeeper in front of the goal in the 90th minute.

 

Japan will face defending champions Germany Next Monday in Hangzhou.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2007