THESSALONIKI, Greece, Aug. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- The Japanese women's team was defeated 2-1 by the FIFA's second-ranked U.S. team in the quarterfinal match held here Friday.

    "The class difference between USA and Japan is large. We'll try to reach their level," said Japanese coach Eiji Ueda after thematch.

    "My players did the best they could in the game. It's two years since I took over the team and we proved us enough," the coach said.

    U.S. women's team got a win over Japan as expected in the quarterfinals and set up a semifinal clash with Germany on August 26.

    Kristine Lilly, who scored a goal 19-minute goal in the game against Australia, opened the scoring two minutes before the end of the first half.

    But the American team kept the lead for only five minutes before Emi Yamamoto levelled the score for Japan.

    Abby Wambach, the younger star forward of the American team, scored the winner of the match.

    The U.S. team had a few chances in the remaining time of the game, but a 2-1 result was enough to take them to the semifinals.

    Japan is making their second Olympic appearance after the 1996 Atlanta Games, in which they were knocked out in group stage. Enditem