Hinata Miyazawa scored twice as Japan put on a counter-attacking clinic to beat Spain 4-0 and secure top spot in Group C at the Women’s World Cup on Monday.
Striker Riko Ueki also scored on the break as Japan cut through Spain’s high press with three lightning raids in the first half. Substitute Mina Tanaka added the fourth with another quality strike eight minutes from time, while the Nadeshiko defence kept Spain at bay to make it three games without conceding.
Japan, winners of the 2011 World Cup and runners-up in 2015, will remain in Wellington to play Norway in the last 16 on Saturday. Spain will move north to Auckland to face Switzerland on the same day, after being soundly beaten despite 77% possession and completing more than 900 passes.
Both teams had already qualified for the knockout stage after convincing wins in their first two group matches. Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda made five changes from the 2-0 win over Costa Rica, and saw his side take the lead in the 12th minute against the run of play.
Jun Endo curled a pass behind the Spanish defence from the left wing, and Miyazawa raced in to coolly slide it into the net with her left foot. Spain continued to camp in the Japanese half but were again undone on the break in the 29th minute.
Ueki, released by Miyazawa, fired a shot at goal that took a deflection off Irene Paredes and ballooned over the Spain keeper, Misa Rodriguez. Ueki returned the favour for the third goal in the 40th minute with a through ball that Miyazawa hammered home with her right foot from the edge of the area – her fourth goal of the tournament, taking her top of the golden boot standings.
In the second half, Spain continued to dominate possession but were unable to seriously trouble the opposing defence, and their misery was completed when Tanaka finished a fine solo run with a shot into the top corner, eight minutes from time.
