Japan surprisingly eliminated defending world champion and host Germany after extra time owing the winner by striker Karina Maruyama who sealed semi finals for Japan in front of 26,067 spectators at Volkswagen Area on Saturday.

Japan destroyed all the hopes of host Germany to win the third world title in a row but Germany remained absolutely unable to exploit their goal scoring scenes against sacrificing "Nippon" team.

Germany started absolutely confident and dominated the match whilst Japan lurked for counters and defended deep through out the first half. After the interval Japan fought back but as both sides failed to utilize their chances the extra time had to bring the decision.

With 108 minutes into the match Japan striker Karina Maruyama utilized a long pass to score the winner from sharp angle inside penalty area. Germany pressed frantically for the equalizer but all they attempts remained over hasted and inaccurate.

It is the first time Japan was able to defeat Germany at FIFA Women Worlds.

"It has entered what I feared. It was here today to nuances but unfortunately we were not able to make a goal. Then we suffered a counter attack by Japan to lose. We have to respect that Japan progresses", German coach Sylvia Neid said after the astonishing defeat.

"I'm totally happy about my goal but we all fought. This was not an individual achievement but a team effort" , Japan striker Karina Maruyama said.

Japan encounters Australia or Sweden at the semi-final on Wednesday.

Xinhua