Nadeshiko Japan has beaten Norway 3 to 1 in the round of 16 of the soccer women's World Cup. The team will now advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2015.

Eleventh-ranked Japan came into the match in good form, having won all three of its group games. But 12th ranked Norway would present a new challenge, boasting a strong attack and a height advantage across the pitch.

Japan controlled the game at the start. It opened the scoring in the 15th minute, when a dangerous cross led to an own goal.

But Norway equalized just five minutes later. A counterattack down the right led to a headed goal, the first Japan has conceded all tournament. The first half ended with the score tied.

Japan were back on the front foot to start the second half. In the 50th minute, Shimizu Risa pounced on a loose ball to score the go-ahead goal.

Norway tried to get back into the game and created several chances. But Japan defended well.

And in the 81st minute, Miyazawa Hinata put the issue to bed with a 3rd goal on the counter.

The players expressed confidence after the game and said they hope to keep up their momentum.

"The team is in a really good place," Shimizu said. "Everyone is on the same page and we want to keep winning."

Japan will next play on Friday, when it faces the winner of Sweden versus the United States.