Japan have beaten Ecuador by one goal in the Women's World Cup to take maximum points from their group.

Japan started strongly and Yuki Ogimi got her country an early goal, rifling in a left-footed shot from close range into the top corner.

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The action continued from box to box, with Homare Sawa and Angie Ponce coming close for their respective countries, but nobody was able to convert their chances into goals.

Japan came closest to a goal in the second half when a Yuika Sugasawa overhead kick was just tipped over the bar by Shirley Berruz.

The result sees Japan, former world champions, top the group with maximum points while Ecuador go home pointless.