Women’s World Cup Day 17: Japan, Spain advance to quarterfinals after dominant wins
Day 17 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup marked the primary day of the knockout rounds, with Spain and Japan advancing with wins by not less than two targets and solely conceding one.
Switzerland and Norway have been the 2 groups eradicated, that means notable gamers like Ada Hegerberg, Caroline Graham Hansen, Frida Maanum, Ramona Bachmann, Lia Wälti and Coumba Sow have been all despatched dwelling.
THE RESULTS
Spain 5, Switzerland 1 (in Auckland) — Game stats || Report
Japan 3, Norway 1 (in Wellington) — Game stats || Report
MAIN TALKING POINTS
Spain redeems itself with convincing win
After a 4-0 defeat to Japan within the group stage, there was slight trigger for concern as as to whether the Spanish facet had what it takes to beat Switzerland. Coach Jorge Vilda benched 5 gamers together with the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, this allowed the group to search out their rhythm simply 5 minutes into the sport.
Barcelona’s Cata Coll made her worldwide debut, whereas defender Laia Codina made her first begin of the match, although the communication between the 2 wanted work as the one Swiss aim of the match was an personal aim off Codina’s try to show the ball in direction of an unprepared Coll within the eleventh minute.
But one other six minutes later Alba Redondo headed dwelling a cross from Ona Batlle and Aitana Bonmatí added insurance coverage within the thirty sixth minute. Codina would get her redemption on the attacking third from a nook simply earlier than the half-time to place Spain up 4-1 on the break.
The Bonmatí masterclass continued within the seventieth minute as she grabbed a free Switzerland go to arrange all-time main scorer Jenni Hermoso for her group’s fifth and closing aim.
Spain will now face the winner of Netherlands and South Africa.
Japan’s high kind continues with dominant second half
For the fourth consecutive World Cup Japan had made it to the knockout rounds, and their consistency and excellence was on show as soon as once more defeating Norway 3-1 to maintain their dream alive.
The Japanese facet grabbed a 1-0 lead as Hinata Miyazawa’s cross was put into the again of the web by the outstretched leg of Norway’s Ingrid Engen, leading to an personal aim. Guro Reiten would get the Norwegians degree simply 5 minutes later.
But the second half showcased Japan’s technical capacity and attacking press as they appeared to be on cruise management. In the fiftieth minute, Risa Shimizu slotted the ball dwelling after receiving a ball proper from Norway’s Bøe Risa in an try to clear.
Japan’s prolific aim scorer Miyazawa would add a 3rd within the 81st minute after a defence-breaking arrange from Aoba Fujino that may seal their victory. Japan now awaits the winner of United States and Sweden to face off within the quarterfinals.
GOAL OF THE DAY
In the twentieth minute towards Japan and down a aim, Norway’s Guro Reiten leaped from close to the penalty spot to go within the ball fantastically to the again left facet of the web that additionally marked Norway’s a centesimal World Cup aim.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“There is nothing that any of my gamers did unsuitable. They did every part proper. They performed a extremely, actually good match. I feel that my group has invested every part and I’m very, very pleased with them.” – Switzerland coach Inka Grings after her group’s defeat to Spain.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
No matter the margin of victory, Japan at all times present their respect to their supporters, and bowed to their loyal followers after defeating Norway and shifting on to the following spherical.
THREE STARS OF THE DAY
1. Aitana Bonmatí, Spain: Scoring twice and aiding on one other two targets, Bonmatí placed on a masterclass towards Switzerland with 90 per cent go accuracy, 12 passes into the ultimate third and 86 touches as she managed the assault for Spain.
2. Hinata Miyazawa, Japan: With 5 targets within the competitors Miyazawa now leads the Golden Boot race as she scored the insurance coverage aim for Japan who advance to the following spherical of the competitors.
3. Meriame Terchoun, Switzerland: Despite the loss Terchoun subbed on and gave Switzerland an oz. of life with certainly one of their finest possibilities of the match, grabbing a go from Bachmann put Coll was there to make the save and maintain Spain far forward.
LOOKING AHEAD
Spain will play both 2019 runner-up Netherlands or South Africa within the quarterfinals in Wellington on Friday whereas Japan will play the winner of the United States and Sweden in Auckland on Friday.
