Japan crushes Spain at 2023 Women's World Cup

New Zealand defeated Spain 4-0 thanks to sharp counterattacks on the afternoon of July 31, Japan won the top of Group C of the 2023 Women's World Cup.

*Score: Miyazawa 12' 40', Ueki 29', Tanaka 82'.

Before the final round, both teams were assured of progress. The correlation between the two sides was similar, with six points and no goals conceded. Spain ranked higher because they scored one more goal (8 compared to 7).

However, what happened at Sky Stadium caused unexpected results.

Japan celebrates after a 4-0 win over Spain in the final match of Group C of the 2023 Women's World Cup. Photo: Reuters .

Japan only had 23% possession, making 272 passes compared to Spain's 934. However, they scored four goals from eight shots, a 50% efficiency, while their opponents finished 10 times and failed to score a single one. Despite playing a solid defense, Japan made the difference with the counter-attacking ability of the trio Hinata Miyazawa, Hikaru Naomoto and Riko Ueki.

In the 12th minute, captain Saki Kumagai made a beautiful tackle, creating an opportunity for Jun Endo to quickly pass behind the Spanish defense. Miyazawa broke forward to face goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, fired a low shot into the left corner to open the score.

Hinata Miyazawa (No. 7) scored a double and assisted a goal in Japan's 4-0 win over Spain. Photo: Reuters

In the 29th minute, the gap was doubled. Miyazawa dribbled from midfield and passed to the left wing for Riko Ueki. Number 9 cut inside, shot with his right foot, hit Irene Paredes and changed direction. The ball was beyond the reach of goalkeeper Misa. A similar scenario occurred in the 40th minute. Only the difference was that Ueki assisted, while Miyazawa finished to take the lead in the list of goalscorers at the 2023 Women's World Cup with four goals.

Spain were left reeling after conceding three goals from all three Japanese counter-attacks.

In the second half, coach Jorge Vilda tried to make changes to create freshness but his players still played without fluidity. In the 82nd minute, substitute player Mina Tanaka broke through from the right wing straight into the penalty area, curling the ball with her left foot into the top corner to seal a 4-0 victory.

In the round of 16, Japan will meet Group A runner-up Norway, while Spain will face Switzerland.

Starting lineup

Japan: Ayaka Yamashita, Moeka Minami, Saki Kumagai, Hana Takahashi, Risa Shimizu, Fuka Nagano, Jun Endo, Honoka Hayashi, Hinata Miyazawa, Hikaru Naomoto, Riko Ueki

Spain: Misa Rodriguez, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Olga Carmona, Rocio Galvez, Tesera Abelleira, Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Mariona Caldentey, Jennifer Hermoso, Salma Paralluelo.

Hieu Luong

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