The United States recorded a potentially important 5-0 win over rivals Japan today ©USA Softball

The United States dealt a potential psychological blow to rivals Japan at the World Cup of Softball today with a 5-0 win in Oklahoma City.

Both sides went into the match unbeaten at the tournament, but the hosts were in dominant form as they recorded a victory against the reigning champions.

It was a repeat of the previous two finals and it is expected that the sides will meet again this time round.  

Earlier in the day, the US proved too strong for the US junior team with an 8-1 win in five innings.

The United States also saw off their national junior team 8-1 ©USA Softball
The United States also saw off their national junior team 8-1 ©USA Softball

Japan did have some success with an 8-0 thrashing over Australia at the INTEGRIS field.

There were two victories for Canada today as they first saw off Mexico 12-7 in an exciting game before defeating Puerto Rico 6-3.

Puerto Rico had earlier beaten The Philippines 8-5, with the latter also suffering defeat at the hands of the US juniors, losing 14-7.

Tomorrow will see the last group stage matches before the finals are contested on Sunday (July 9).