Japan showed why they are serious contenders at the Women’s World Cup by hammering Spain to finish top of Group C and book a last-16 showdown with Norway.
The 2011 world champions made it look easy as they scored three times before half-time, with Hinata Miyazawa getting two to take her tally to four goals and become the tournament’s leading scorer.
The attacking midfielder put Japan ahead with a calm finish after Spain’s defence had been exposed, before Riko Uek doubled the lead with a deflected finish which looped into the net.
Miyazawa, who scored two in Japan’s opening group game against Zambia, made it 3-0 by firing across goal and into the net in front of a crowd of 20,957.
Substitute Mina Tanaka added to Spain’s pain with a fourth goal in the 83rd minute.
Japan started the third and final group game trailing Spain on goal difference after both teams had made 100% winning starts in New Zealand.
Japan will stay in Wellington, where they will meet Norway, the 1995 world champions, on Saturday.
Group runners-up Spain head to Auckland, where they will play Switzerland at Eden Park on Saturday.
Japan made five changes to the side that overcame Costa Rica in Dunedin five days earlier yet never looked back after taking control on a blustery evening in New Zealand’s capital.
After wins against Zambia and Costa Rica, this was the night they really showed the world they mean business with a powerful performance which included some exceptional finishing against a Spain side high in confidence after back-to-back wins.
Miyazawa, who also laid on the assist for Ueki’s goal, looks a real handful and will be crucial if the two-time finalists are to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015.
Japan fans, who turned out in numbers in Wellington with some dressed in colourful masks and national costume, witnessed a masterclass from their team.
Japan had won only one of their past five World Cup games before this edition.
But they look formidable after a third successive win in New Zealand.
