Japan thrash Spain to book place in last 16 of World Cup as Zambia clinch first win

Japan hammered Spain 4-0 in Wellington on Monday to sound a serious warning to their rivals in the Women's World Cup.

The Japanese, who won the tournament in 2011, scored three goals in the first half before adding a fourth in the 82nd minute as they finished top of Group C ahead of the Spanish.

The victory sets them up for a last-16 clash with Norway.

Hinata Miyazawa scored in the 12th and 40th minutes either side of a 29th-minute strike by Riko Ueki. Mina Tanaka added a fourth goal late in the second half.

Miyazawa's brace took her tally to four, making her the tournament's top scorer.

It was 11th-ranked Japan's first win in five meetings with Spain and the ease of the victory surely makes them contenders to win the tournament.

They have scored 11 goals, the highest tally in the tournament so far, and are one of four sides yet to concede.

The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Miyazawa beat the Spanish defence to latch on to Jun Endo's through ball from halfway before producing a low finish past goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez.

Japan in the Women’s World Cup:✅ 3 out of 3 wins in Group C✅ No goals conceded✅ Hinata Miyazawa leading the Golden Boot Race Flying into the Round of 16