The highly favored Spain had to swallow the shocking 4-0 defeat to Japan at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Group C is getting hotter, Japan advances as group winners, Spain must be satisfied as runners-up
WHAT HAPPENED?
La Roja go into this game on the back of eight straight wins and with clean sheets amassed in their opening two Group C games. They once again dominated possession against Japan, but were lacking at the back and it cost them.
Japan took the lead in the 12th minute with a clinical display of counter attacks which will be the theme of the game. Angel City FC star Jun Endo’s cross from the left headed in well-timed from Hinata Miyazawa, and she made no mistake with a calm finish.
The lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark when Riko Ueki saw his shot from inside the penalty area deflected high and past the helpless Maria Isabel Rodriguez.
Miyazawa scored his second goal of the game five minutes before half-time following some sloppy play from Spain that allowed Japan to extend their lead.
The disaster for Spain – who conceded four goals for the first time in 11 years – was compounded in the 82nd minute when Mina Tanaka scored Japan’s fourth when she cut in from the right and fired a stunning shot into the top corner.
MVP: Japan knew they had to make the most of their limited opportunities as they allowed their opponents to have the ball more often, and they scored with their first three attempts on target. Miyazawa converted two of them, with the 23-year-old midfielder causing all kinds of problems with his runs from the second line. The first goal was a clinical finish, while the second started with a quick footwork demonstration.
LOSERS: Spain coach Jorge Vilda has been in the spotlight in many headlines over the past 18 months, with prominent members of his squad rebelling against his continued presence at one stage. Order looked to have been restored from the start at this summer’s World Cup, but Vilda was back in the spotlight. Spain may boast an abundance of experience and talent – with Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas being part of a team dominated by Barcelona – but they could be distracted by the speed and fighting spirit of opponents who are determined to beat them.
MATCH PHOTOS:
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WHAT IS NEXT? Japan have now progressed to the knockout stages as Group C winners, with Spain advancing to the last 16 as runners-up. A meeting with Norway is next for Japan, on August 5, while La Roja must now overcome Switzerland to keep their quest for glory on track.
MATCH RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
2023-07-31 15:51:42
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