In a stunning upset, Japan defeated Spain 4-0 on Thursday to top Group C of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Japan, who were world champions in 2011, showed why they are a serious contender at the Women’s World Cup after thrashing Spain to top Group C and set up a last-16 clash with Norway.
The Japanese team, who were considered underdogs going into the match, came out firing from the start and took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute when Hinata Miyazawa scored off a rebound.
Japan doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Riko Ueki scored from close range. The Japanese team continued to dominate the match and added one more goals in the first half at 40th minutes, courtesy of Hinata Miyazawa. In the second half Japan Mina Tanaka scored at 82nd minutes just few minutes before the final whistle.
1️⃣1️⃣ Goals scored.
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023
0️⃣ Goals conceded.@JFA_Nadeshiko with a perfect #FIFAWWC Group Stage performance! 🇯🇵👏 pic.twitter.com/02cBSQ5LCa
After Miyazawa scored twice in Japan’s first group match against Zambia, she made it three-0 by sending a shot over the keeper and into the net before 20,957 fans.
Japan vs Spain Final Score
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
| Japan | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Spain | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Japan 4-0 Spain
Japan produced a scintillating display to defeat Spain 4-0 and secure top spot in Group C! 🇯🇵@JFA_Nadeshiko | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023
Goals :
82′: GOAL! Japan with its fourth!
Mina Tanaka knocked home the fourth of the match for the Japanese, extending their lead to 4-0.
40′: Goal! Japan a third time!
Hinata Miyazawa connected on her second goal of the match and fourth in the World Cup.
29′: GOAL! Japan again!
Riko Ueki converted a tough shot from just inside the box and just over the keeper’s hands, giving Japan a 2-0 lead.
12′: GOAL! Japan with the first of the match!
Hinata Miyazawa connected for her third goal of the World Cup and gave Japan the 1-0 lead!
Player of the Match
HINATA MIYAZAWA (Japan) Not bad for an under-23 striker. She moved to the top of the goal-scorers list with a brilliant display of clinical finishing. She had two goals and an assist to help Japan secure the victory they needed to top the pool, and she and Ueki were too much for Spain’s defense. She was replaced at the break as Japan looked ahead to the knockout phase.
Points Table of Group C
🇯🇵 @JFA_Nadeshiko on 🔝!
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023
🇪🇸 @SEFutbolFem also through! 💪 #BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC