2023-07-31 10:54:51
Japan finished top of Group C after beating Spain (4-0) on Monday in Wellington. The two teams, already qualified in the round of 16 before this meeting, will face Norway and Switzerland respectively in a knockout match.
Published on: 07/31/2023 – 10:54
4 mn
Japan clinched first place in Group C for the last group stage match of the Women’s World Cup by clearly dominating Spain (4-0), Monday, July 31, in Wellington. The two teams, qualified in the round of 16 before kick-off, had already provided the essentials but had to decide in particular who would face the Norwegians in a knockout match.
The Japanese start the match aligned in 3-4-3, the Spaniards are arranged in 4-3-3. La Roja started the match with a possession game characteristic of Spanish football. The Japanese are, for their part, well grouped together in their last thirty meters. It was logically Spain who lit the first fuse: on a good opening, Bonmati lacked a few centimeters to open the scoring on a cross narrowly fleeing the Japanese frame (5th).
The Nadeshiko suffer the opposing game but also know how to be effective against, like Miyazawa: launched in depth at the limit of offside, the Japanese striker comes alone against Rodriguez and scores his third goal in this World Cup with a subtle flat foot from the left placed flush with the post (1-0, 12th). Spain are picked cold despite their dominance at the start of the match.
La Roja is not resigned however and tries to find rare flaws in the Japanese defense. Paralluelo tries a long shot low to the ground but the ball is finally captured without difficulty (19th). The Spaniards also make some technical errors since the first Japanese goal, a sign of feverishness?
The Japanese are, for their part, without complex and attempt a second incursion on counter in the Spanish defense. Ueki is served, and his shot is deflected by Paredes lobe Rodriguez (2-0, 29th). Spain seem powerless to reverse the trend and are struggling to find their attackers. When that happens, Hermoso’s header lacks precision (36′).
The Nadeshiko are on cloud nine and will continue to worsen the score: launched in depth on the right side, Miyazawa goes there with his double on a cross shot out of reach of Rodriguez (3-0, 40th). Three shots on target for three goals scored: the Japanese are clinical during this first act. A demonstration of efficiency that recalls this intangible principle to the Spanish: to dominate is not to win.
Tanaka’s class action seals the score
The Spaniards return from the locker room with the desire to reduce the mark but lack precision, like Batlle who, in the Japanese area, tries a curled shot but which flees the frame (47th). The Nadeshiko manage, for their part, their comfortable lead and even allow themselves the luxury of breathing their attacker Miyazawa – replaced by Fujino.
La Roja still have possession of the ball, but without creating any danger. She relies on crosses when she creates the gap, but goalkeeper Yamashita is imperial in the air. The Spaniards fail to find the key to destabilize the Japanese defense which quietly manages its advantage on the scoreboard when approaching the last twenty minutes of regulation time.
The Spaniards fail to turn the tide, and the match seems frozen in the second half. It was without counting on the class action of Tanaka: alone with the ball along the sideline, she transplanted in the axis and entered the Spanish surface. The following: stepover, hook and curled strike from the left which ends in the skylight (4-0, 82nd). Japan continue their lesson in efficiency against the Spaniards completely overwhelmed by the scenario of the match.
Naomoto almost adds one more goal to the scoreboard, but his free kick goes very little above Rodriguez’s crossbar (91st). Japan have already provided the essentials, and La Roja has lost its luster during this meeting.
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