Japan could have been forgiven had they opted to settle for a draw against Spain in their final Group C game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Not only was their place in the knockout round already secured prior to Monday’s game at Wellington Regional Stadium, finishing second in the group — which would have been their fate as long as they did not beat the Spanish — would have handed them arguably an easier last-16 tie against Switzerland, as opposed to a meeting with a Norway outfit who look to be awakening from their initial slumber.
But Nadeshiko are not here to just make up the numbers and be content simply by making it out of the group stage.
They showed just as much by producing a scintillating display that left Spain absolutely stunned, claiming an emphatic 4-0 win to seal top spot with a group-stage record of three wins, 11 goals scored and none conceded.
In an electric — and ruthlessly economical — start to the contest, Japan’s first three touches of the ball inside the opposition box saw them establish a three-goal lead after 40 minutes.
Despite Spain dominating possession, the Japanese would prove unstoppable on the counterattack with two clinical finishes from Hinata Miyazawa sandwiching a deflected effort from Riko Ueki — who fully deserved a touch of fortune in finding the back of the net for her tireless effort leading the line all on her own.
Although Spain were also already through to the round of 16 ahead of the match, they still fielded a formidable starting XI boasting two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Alexia Putellas, record scorer Jennifer Hermoso and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati.
Like Japan, La Roja were also here to win.
Yet, for all the quality in their ranks and possession they enjoyed, they simply could not find a way to break down their well-organised and disciplined opponents, who went on to cap off a stunning victory eight minutes from time through a strike from substitute Mina Tanaka.
