The final round of group stage games in Group C saw Japan face off against Spain in what turned out to be a day to forget for La Roja. Both teams came into the game tied at 6 points, with their spot in the round of 16 already secured.
Heading into the game, both teams had won their first two games with ease and had done a good job of cleanly dispatching their opponents. The game between them was simply going to decide who would emerge as the winner of the group.
The game ended with a 4-0 victory in favor of Japan, thus handing Spain their first defeat of the tournament after two victories in their previous games.
Despite Spain keeping the ball for the majority of the match, it was Japan that did the necessary damage. The “Nadeshiko” put four goals past Spain to emerge winners of Group C. By halftime, the game was already decided, with Japan three goals ahead.
Barcelona players, Alexia Putellas, Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, and Irene were all fielded in the defeat against Japan. Putellas, Caldentey, and Paralluelo were eventually replaced in the second half, while the pair of Aitana and Paredes played the full 90 minutes.
Spain, having ended the group stage as runners up now has to deal with Group A winners, Switzerland in a round of 16 clash. On the other hand, the win against Spain sets Japan up for a round of 16 clash against the runner up of group A, Norway, who sealed qualification following a 6-0 demolition of The Philippines yesterday.
