Japan progressed to the women's ice hockey quarterfinals as Group B winner on Tuesday at the Beijing Olympics, beating the Czech Republic 3-2 after a penalty-shot shootout.
Haruka Toko scored both goals for Japan during power plays in regular time but the Czechs twice tied it at Wukesong Sports Centre. Both teams were already through but desperate for a win, with a more favorable draw in the last eight going to the group winner.
"I'm really happy as topping the group was our first target," said Toko, whose goals were both assisted by her older sister Ayaka. "I felt we had to top the group to get a medal. I feel we took a step closer to it."