Japan 4-0 Spain: Hinata Miyazawa scores twice in impressive win

Japan confirmed why they’re critical contenders on the Women’s World Cup by hammering Spain to complete prime of Group C and e book a last-16 showdown with Norway.

The attacking midfielder put Japan forward with a peaceful end after Spain’s defence had been uncovered, earlier than Riko Ueki doubled the lead with a deflected end which looped into the online.

Miyazawa, who scored two in Japan’s opening group sport in opposition to Zambia, made it 3-0 by firing throughout purpose and into the online in entrance of a crowd of 20,957.

Substitute Mina Tanaka added to Spain’s ache with a fourth purpose in the 82nd minute.

Japan began the third and closing group sport trailing Spain on purpose distinction after each groups had made 100% successful begins in New Zealand.

Japan will keep in Wellington, the place they are going to meet Norway, the 1995 world champions, on Saturday at 09:00 BST.

Group runners-up Spain head to Auckland, the place they are going to play Switzerland at Eden Park on Saturday at 06:00 BST.

Formidable Japan produce masterclass

Japan made 5 modifications to the aspect that overcame Costa Rica in Dunedin 5 days earlier but by no means appeared again after taking management on a blustery night in New Zealand’s capital.

After wins in opposition to Zambia and Costa Rica, this was the evening they actually confirmed the world they imply enterprise with a robust efficiency which included some distinctive ending in opposition to a Spain aspect excessive in confidence after back-to-back wins.

Miyazawa, who additionally laid on the help for Ueki’s purpose, seems an actual handful and can be essential if the two-time finalists are to succeed in the quarter-finals for the primary time since 2015.

Japan followers, who turned out in numbers in Wellington with some dressed in vibrant masks and nationwide costume, witnessed a masterclass from their crew.

Japan had received solely one in every of their previous 5 World Cup video games earlier than this version.

But they appear formidable after a 3rd successive win in New Zealand.

Poor Spain second greatest

Spain had been a poor second greatest however should put this heavy defeat rapidly behind them with a match in opposition to Switzerland to come back on the weekend.

They had been one of many first groups in Europe to qualify for this match after an impeccable qualifying marketing campaign the place they completed eight factors clear on the prime of the desk and didn’t concede a purpose in eight video games.

Spain had not conceded a purpose in 180 minutes earlier than this match however had been out-fought and out-classed by a cultured Japan.

On an evening of few positives for Jorge Vilda’s aspect, Alexia Putellas bought one other 62 minutes on the pitch.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is working her means again to full health following a critical knee damage sustained earlier than Euro 2022 which dominated her out for nearly a 12 months.