Japan, who seemingly couldn't get ball possession all match, scored thrice from lightning breaks in the first half, once in the second and defended resolutely to trounce fancied Spain 4-0 on Monday and top Group C in the Women’s World Cup.
Hinata Miyazawa scored twice, Riko Ueki scored once and both were instrumental in each other’s goals as Japan switched swiftly from defence to counter-attack and scored from their only three attempts on goal before half-time.
Mina Tanaka came off the bench to score the last in the 82nd minute as Japan, with only 23 per cent possession, turned on a counter-attacking master class in front of 21,000 fans.
Both teams had already clinched places in the round-of-16, Japan for the fourth World Cup in succession, Spain for the second. Both had beaten Zambia 5-0 and Spain had the better goal differential after a 3-0 win over Costa Rica. A draw would have been enough to see Spain finish atop a group for the first time in their history.
But Spain have struggled against Asian teams in World Cup matches, losing to South Korea in 2015 and drawing with China in 2019.
Japan played with a strong and cold wind at their back in the first half and that added carry to long balls forward which helped catch the Spain defence in retreat.
Spain had an overwhelming majority of possession in the half; by the 25-minute mark it had enjoyed 68 per cent and had more than 230 completed passes to Japan’s 43.
But it was timid, reluctant to go forward and played mostly around the middle of the field, keeping the ball on the ground in the face of the wind.
Pre-tournament underdogs Nigeria used a goalless draw against Ireland to advance to the round-of-16. The Super Falcons finished second in Group B behind Australia.
Hayley Raso scored a first-half brace and Mary Fowler struck after the break as Australia crushed Canada 4-0 to send the Olympic champions spinning out of the tournament.
Debutants Zambia claimed their first-ever victory at the Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 win over Costa Rica.
AP/PTI, Reuters
