Japan outclassed Spain 4-0 in their final group stage match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at the Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand.
Spain had a golden opportunity initially as captain Aitana Bonmati, who made a late run into the box, was just inches away from scoring a goal.
The Japanese replied brilliantly by scoring their first goal on a fantastic counter-attack which was successfully finished by Hinata Miyazawa’s calm and composed move in the 12th minute.
Japan doubled their lead in no time with yet another eye-catching counter-attack as Riko Ueki’s shot ended up in the box after taking a big deflection from Irene Paredes in the 28th minute.
While Spain continued keeping possession where the Japanese did what they were doing best and tripled their lead in the 40th minute with yet another counter-attack.
Miyazawa scored once again after catching the Spaniards on break and finished it into the top-left corner with a fantastic finish and helped her team end the first half with a dream three-goal lead.
Spain did their best to stop the devastating Japanese counter-attacks but conceded one more in the 82nd minute.
Mina Tanaka curled it into the top-left corner after spinning Paredes with her body feints and made it 4-0 for Japan.
Spain had 77% possession — with 898 passes —compared to Japan’s 23%, — with 267 passes — but it came of no use as the former destroyed the latter’s defence on counter-attacks.
This was Spain’s biggest loss at the Women’s World Cup and this was also the first time La Roja conceded four goals in an international competition.
With the victory, Japan finished top of the group with nine points while Spain sat in the second position with six points.
Japan will take on Norway in the Round of 16 while Spain will face Switzerland.