Women’s World Cup: Spain fall victim to Japan masterclass

Japan secured top spot in Group C after a superb 4-0 drubbing of Spain at the Women’s World Cup.

Hinata Miyazawa scored a brace and Riko Ueki netted to put Japan three up before half-time.

Substitute Mina Tanaka added a fourth late on as Japan continued their fine form ahead of the knockout rounds.

Both teams had already qualified for the last 16 and the result means that Japan will face Group A runners-up Norway on Saturday. Spain will play Switzerland later that day.

Japan’s dominance sets up title push

After beating Zambia and Costa Rica with ease, Japan’s first real test came against a Spanish team which sits five places above them in the world rankings.

Miyazawa broke through the Spain defence early to open the scoring before setting up Ueki who finished into the top corner via a deflection.

The attacking midfielder added her fourth of the tournament before half time to propel herself to the top of the Golden Boot table.

Tanaka added a fourth late on with the best goal of the game. She drove into the area from the right before sending the ball into the top-left corner.

For Spain, Ona Batlle and Teresa Abelleira chances missed the target as they struggled to cope with the Japanese counter-attack.

They need to regroup in time for the second-round contest against Switzerland and manager Jorge Vilda is looking for a reaction.

“We have not seen the best Spanish team yet and I am convinced against Switzerland the team will react,” Vilda said.

“No-one should lose hope. This defeat hurts, the players are angry and I am convinced they will be much better in the next match.”

Cover Photo: The flag of Japan” by futureatlas.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .