Despite having already confirmed their last eight spot, Japan went on the offensive from the start with Harura Matsushita's third minute effort from outside the box forcing a save from Australia custodian Annabelle Croll.

Australia, who were held 1-1 by Lebanon on Matchday Two, were struggling to contain Japan and conceded the opener in the 16th minute to a Mei Hanashiro header.

The setback sparked Australia into immediate action with Maeve Nicholas's left footed shot requiring a save from Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

That, however, proved to be the only shot on target for the Australians in the first half as Japan widened their lead in the 22nd minute after Arisu Ota dispossessed Charlotte Bradshaw and relayed the ball to Mino Tamamura who, in turn, released Hanashiro to slot home into the bottom right corner.

The third Japanese goal came in the 35th minute, with Tamamura getting her name on the scoresheet with a well-placed finish from the centre of the box.

Croll denied Rei Kitamura and Mino Tamamura in the opening minutes of the second half but failed to cleanly save the latter's shot from distance in the 52nd minute, with Nanami Kurita slotting the spilled ball home from close range.

With Japan dictating play, Australia were forced to defend deep but despite their best efforts, conceded again in the 73rd minute to substitute Rara Higuchi's long range from the left following a corner as Japan reinforced their title credentials.