Japan begin Women's World Cup defense with win over Switzerland

Updated: May 17, 2024, 01:16 pm
Teammates congratulate Aya Miyama after her penalty put Japan ahead.
Mike Hewitt /FIFA/Getty Images

Aya Miyama scored a penalty kick in the 29th minute as defending Women's World Cup champion Japan opened with a 1-0 win over newcomers Switzerland in Vancouver on Monday night.

Miyama's penalty, on a low shot to the left side of the goal, came after Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann was given a yellow card following a collision with Japan's Kozue Ando inside the box. Yuki Ogimi set up the run by Ando with a chip over the Switzerland defense.

Ramona Bachmann, who had several quality runs at goal in the second half for Switzerland, had an open shot in the box in the final minute of stoppage time -- pushing the ball just over the goal.

Japan plays Cameroon on Friday, while Switzerland faces Ecuador.