front, having restored top goalscorer Jane Ross, but Japan coach Asako Takakura had different ideas.

Having been criticised for Japan's own lack of attacking intent in their opening goalless draw with Argentina, Takakura made three changes, including fielding an extra forward.

It was Scotland's turn to look passive. There was a lack of tempo, imagination, movement, belief and, strangely, determination, with the likes of Kim Little and Erin Cuthbert looking far short of their world-class reputations.

Japan had already been knocking on the door by the time Alexander looked slow to react as Iwabuchi - the forward handed a start after impressing as a substitute against Argentina - fired straight through the goalkeeper high into the net following a poor headed clearance from Corsie.

Their high press was forcing Scotland into aimlesslong balls forward, while their tiki-taka football was leaving their opponents looking disheartened and bewildered.

Rather than being Scotland's creative force, Little's biggest contribution was to head a Saki Kumagai header off the line after Alexander made a mess of coming for a cross.

When Sugasawa crumpled dramatically to the ground, it looked like a soft penalty award, but the video assistant referees agreed with referee Lidya Tafesse's view that Corsie's ill-advised hand on the striker's shoulder was enough to award the spot kick.

It took 41 minutes for Scotland to threaten through Cuthbert's 20-yard drive on to the roof of the net, while Japan went close to going into the break three ahead when Hina Sugita found the face of the crossbar.

As against England, it was only in the last