Women’s World Cup: Miyazawa brace helps Japan secure 4-0 victory over Spain | Football News

Former champions Japan put on a spectacular show to defeat Spain 4-0 in a gripping Group C encounter at the Women’s World Cup on Monday. The star of the match was Hinata Miyazawa, who scored twice, leading the Nadeshiko to secure the top spot in the group.

The New Zealand capital’s Wellington Regional Stadium bore witness to a thrilling clash, where Japan’s tactical acumen and swift attacking prowess left Spain chasing shadows. Striker Riko Ueki also contributed to the victory, scoring on the break, while substitute Momoko Tanaka sealed the deal with an exquisite goal in the closing minutes.

With this commanding triumph, Japan, who were champions in 2011 and runners-up in 2015, booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament. They will now face Norway in a much-anticipated showdown, seeking to continue their quest for another World Cup title. On the other hand, Spain, having displayed promise throughout the group stage, will face Switzerland in their last 16 encounter in Auckland.
Both Japan and Spain had already secured their spots in the knockout stage, having convincingly won their previous two group matches. In this crucial fixture, Japan’s coach Futoshi Ikeda made five changes to the starting lineup, aiming to utilize fresh legs and maintain the team’s high intensity.

The match began with Spain asserting their dominance, controlling possession and territory. However, it was Japan who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Jun Endo’s precision pass from the left wing found Hinata Miyazawa, who displayed composure and finesse to slot the ball into the net with her left foot, registering her third goal of the tournament. This was the first goal Spain had conceded in the competition, highlighting the quality of Japan’s attacking prowess.
Undeterred by Spain’s possession play, Japan proved deadly on the counter-attacks. In the 29th minute, Riko Ueki seized an opportunity and fired a shot at goal, the ball taking a deflection off Irene Paredes and sailing past the Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, doubling Japan’s lead.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Japan delivered yet another clinical blow. Riko Ueki returned the favour by providing an incisive through ball to Miyazawa, who showcased her predatory instincts, receiving the pass on the edge of the box and unleashing a powerful strike with her right foot to find the back of the net.
Entering the second half, Spain came out with renewed determination, seeking to mount a comeback. Despite their sustained possession and over 900 passes, they struggled to break through Japan’s resolute defence, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Japan’s masterclass was further embellished in the dying moments of the game when substitute Momoko Tanaka displayed her prowess, adding the fourth goal with a breathtaking finish, leaving the Spanish defence in awe.
(With inputs from Reuters)