Japan 4-0 Spain: Japan thrash Spain to set up Norway last-16 match
Japan threw out another warning shot to the world that they are serious contenders to win the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The team displayed their dominance and skill over a woeful Spain. Japan now tops Group C and have set up a last-16 showdown with Norway.
Japan – 2011 World Cup winners – showcased their prowess by netting three goals in the first half, leaving Spain struggling to keep up.
Hinata Miyazawa emerged as the star of the match, scoring two goals to bring her total to four in the tournament, making her the leading scorer so far.
The attacking midfielder calmly slotted the ball past Spain’s defence to give Japan the lead, exposing their opponents’ vulnerabilities. Riko Ueki then added to the lead with a deflected finish that gracefully looped into the net.
Miyazawa, who had already scored twice against Zambia in Japan’s opening group game, continued her goal-scoring streak by firing the ball across the goal and into the net, securing a comfortable 3-0 lead with a display of skill and precision.
Spain’s misery didn’t end there; substitute Mina Tanaka joined in on the action, delivering a fourth goal in the 82nd minute, leaving Spain no room to recover.
Last-16 opponents
Heading into their third and final group game, both Japan and Spain had unbeaten records in New Zealand. However, Japan’s remarkable performance not only secured their top spot in the group but also ensured they would stay in Wellington for their next challenge against Norway, the 1995 world champions.
As for Spain, they will head to Auckland, where they will face Switzerland at Eden Park in what promises to be an exciting match on Saturday at 06:00 BST.
Group C’s other two teams – Zambia and Costa Rica played today but both teams had already been eliminated.
