Japan is no match for U.S.
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Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly scored, and the U.S. women’s team used its size and experience to coast to a 4-1 victory over Japan at San Jose on Saturday night in a World Cup tuneup.
The game played in front of a lively crowd of 11,290 was one of a few remaining exhibitions for the Americans before they head to the Women’s World Cup in China in September.
Midfielder Boxx drove home a header off a crisp corner kick from Stephanie Lopez in the 17th minute of the first half to put the Americans in front, 1-0.
The U.S. team went up, 2-0, in the 41st minute courtesy of an own goal by Japan midfielder Yukari Kinga.
Lilly one-timed the ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute to give the Americans a 3-0 lead.
Abby Wambaugh scored the final U.S. goal on a penalty kick.
The Americans open play at the Women’s World Cup on Sept. 11 against North Korea.
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Ten-man South Korea clinched third place in the 2007 Asian Cup, and thereby won automatic qualification for the 2011 event, with a penalty shootout victory over Japan at Palembang, Indonesia.
The match was scoreless after regulation and extra time, and South Korea prevailed, 6-5, in the shootout when goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae blocked the final penalty from Japan’s Naotake Hanyu.