FIFA Men's World Cup

Japan holds off Scotland 2-1 at Women's World Cup

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:02 p.m. ET

RENNES, France (AP) — Mana Iwabuchi had an early goal and then Japan held off a late charge from Scotland for a 2-1 victory on Friday at the Women's World Cup.

Iwabuchi, who was on the Japanese team that won the World Cup in 2011, scored in the 23rd minute to give Japan its first goal of the tournament. Yuika Sugasawa converted a penalty in the 37th minute to pad the lead going into the break.

Lana Clelland's left-footed shot went into the top right corner of the net in the 87th minute as Scotland furiously worked to break through Japan's defense.

Japan played to a scoreless draw against Argentina in its opener and needed the confidence boost win with Wednesday's final group match against England looming.

Scotland has now dropped both of its matches so far in France, after opening with a 2-1 loss to England. The team will play Argentina in its group-stage final.