Japan Beats Mexico for World Cup Berth

Host Japan defeated Mexico, 2-0, on Saturday to secure the final spot in the Women’s World Cup soccer tournament this fall in the United States.

Midfielder Homare Sawa scored on a header in the 56th minute at Tokyo’s National Stadium and substitute Karina Maruyama had a late goal to clinch Japan’s berth in the Sept. 20-Oct. 12 finals.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Japan Coach Eiji Ueda said. “We knew it would be a tough match and I’m impressed with the way our players produced today.”

Japan, which tied Mexico, 2-2, in front of 75,000 fans at Mexico City last week, will be making its fourth straight appearance in the tournament.

“If we had won at home, things could have been different,” Mexico Coach Leonardo Cuellar said.

The Women’s World Cup draw will be held Thursday at the Home Depot Center.