Seeking to maintain their proud record of never missing the knockout stage since the first edition of the tournament, Japan were quick to settle at the Estadio Felix Sanchez as they took the game to Zambia.

The East Asian side's fast start paid dividends in the eight minute with Miharu Shinjo giving them the lead off Hinako Kinoshita's assist.

Buoyed by the goal, Japan pushed forward but found Zambia, who suffered defeats to Brazil and Poland in their earlier matches, resilient.

Japan, however, continued to dominate but were guilty of wasteful finishing as Zambia found themselves still very much in the game going into the break.

The African side were quick off the blocks when the match resumed and Mercy Chipasula drew a save out of Japan custodian Mao Fukuda three minutes in.

Japan quickly regained their rhythm and doubled their lead in the 63rd minute through Momo Saruang Ueki Sato's spot-kick.

With Zambia deflated, Shinjo made it 3-0 in the 69th minute when she stabbed home Ririka Nezu's cross with Mitsuki Ota further extending their lead in the 86th minute with a towering header, with Zambia pulling one back through Haruko Suzuki's own goal a minute later.