Substitute Karina Maruyama lashed home an extra-time winner as Japan stunned holders and hosts Germany 1-0 to reach the semifinals of the Women's World Cup for the first time on Saturday.
Maruyama kept her head to drill home three minutes into the second half of extra time, wrecking Germany's hopes of a third consecutive title and setting up a meeting Wednesday in the last four with either Australia or Sweden, who play on Sunday.
"The players really dug in, persevered and were absolutely excellent," said Japan coach Norio Sasaki.