Japan delivered a stunning victory in the second round one, Group C match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, slicing through Zambia like morning bread with an impressive 5-0 win.
The game took place at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. However, despite Japan’s dominant performance, there were some contentious moments.
Three of Japan’s goals, including a penalty, were nullified after routine VAR reviews.
Among the cancelled goals were two beautifully executed strikes by Japanese striker Maina Tanaka, one in the 23rd minute of the first half and the other in the 50th minute of the second half.
Aoba Fujino’s goal from the spot in the 52nd minute of the second half also faced the same fate.
In the 7th minute of second-half extra time, Zambia’s Catherine Musonda received a red card, following a matching order from the match referee, Tess Olofsson.
This left the Zambian team with only ten players, making their task even more daunting.
Japan took the lead in the 43rd minute of the first half, courtesy of Hinata Miyazawa’s well-taken goal, putting them 1-0 ahead before the end of the first half.
The second half saw Hinata Miyazawa scoring again, securing a brace for herself and the third goal for Japan in the 62nd minute of the match.
Before that, Mina Tanaka had already scored Japan’s second goal in the 55th minute of the second half.
The last two goals of the match were scored by Jun Endo in the 71st minute of the second half and Riki Ueki in the 11th minute of the second half’s extra time, sealing the 5-0 victory for the Japanese women’s team.
Statement made by Japan as they take all three points! ????#FIFAWWC | #BeyondGreatness
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 22, 2023
With this emphatic win, Japan takes the top spot in Group C, leading on superior goal difference ahead of the Spanish Women’s team.
The Asian representatives have set a high bar, and their remarkable performance has undoubtedly made them a team to watch in the upcoming matches.
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