Women’s World Cup Roundup: Japan and Spain both get second straight shutouts, while Canada breaks Irish hearts on Day 7

The Women’s World Cup is moving at a frantic pace. Day seven saw two nations punch their ticket to the knockout rounds in Group C, and a favorite in Group B wakes up after conceding first! Let’s take a look back at the day that was on day seven!

Women’s World Cup Roundup Day 7

Japan scored two goals in two minutes to down Costa Rica

Japan opened their World Cup in style as they dispatched debutants Zambia 5-0. In their second game, they took on a Costa Rica side that Spain bashed 3-0. For both teams, the stakes were clear-cut. For Japan, a win meant they would punch their ticket to the knockout rounds of this tournament. For Costa Rica, they needed to find a way to get points to stay alive before the third group stage match.

As the game started, it was clear which team was ready to push to achieve their goals. Japan had all of the momentum early in the match. They had sustained pressure for the first 20 minutes of the game. Costa Rica defended for their lives and was hoping that they could use that defending as a springboard to knock Japan off their game, but this was to no avail.

The constant pressure from Japan paid off with a goal in the 25th minute. Mina Tanaka slipped a nice ball to Hikaru Naomoto who was in on goal and able to make the most of the chance with a brutal low finish. Japan led 1-0, and they would not let up after that. Japan sustained pressure forcing Costa Rica to give the ball up soon after the first goal. Putting the pedal to the medal, Japan got a second goal just two minutes after their first. Aoba Fujino was able to use some fancy footwork to get herself open for a shot and buried it in the 27th minute.

After that point, Japan was cruising. They kept the pressure on Costa Rica. On the day, Japan had 24 shots, 12 of which were on goal. Costa Rica had six shots, two of which were on target, but they came at the later stages of the match. Japan took the W, and will be off to the knockout rounds, while Costa Rica’s second loss all but doomed them to not make it past the group stage!

Group C Standings

Japan – 6 pts | +7 GD
Spain – 3 pts | +3 GD
Zambia – 0 pts | 0 GD
Costa Rica – 0 pts | – 5 GD

Spain power five past Zambia to take top spot in Group C

Spain has looked like one of the best teams at this World Cup. They opened their tournament by winning 3-0 over Costa Rica. Zambia began their tournament facing a relentless Japan side that put five past them. Just like the other game in Group C, both teams knew what was at stake in this match. One side could book their spot in the Round of 16, while the other knew a loss meant not being able to qualify for the knockout round!

As the match opened up, it was clear that Spain was going to be all over this game. They love to use the ball in creative ways to start the attack. From the opening whistle, this is what Spain did to create deadly chances. In a five-minute span from the ninth minute to the 15th minute, Spain scored two well-worked goals. Teresa Abelleira and Jennifer Hermoso gave Spain a two-goal lead before Zambia could even get a good look at the goal.

The second half was more of the same as Spain was able to score three goals in 17 minutes of play. Hermoso got a second and Alba Redondo scored a brace. Zambia did find some times to hit Spain on the counter, but none of those chances were strong enough to get a goal. Spain won 5-0 and will join Japan in the knockout rounds of this World Cup. Zambia’s hopes of making the knockout rounds are now over, but their pride is on the line with one more World Cup game to go for them!

Group C Standings

Spain – 6 pts | +8 GD
Japan – 6 pts | +7 GD
Costa Rica – 0 pts | – 5 GD
Zambia – 0 pts | -10 GD

Canada scored two unanswered to comeback against Ireland

In their opening games, both Canada and Irelnad underwhelmed. Canada drew 0-0 to Nigeria, while Ireland was undone by a late Australia game-winner. Both nations needed points to rise up the standings in a very wide-open Group B, and early on it looked like Ireland might just shock everyone.

Ireland’s started the match on the front foot as Katie McCabe scored in just the fourth minute. Ireland’s World Cup dreams seemed to be coming true as they were the ones to really dictate the game against the favored Canadians. It looked like things would be smooth sailing for the Irish heading into halftime, but Canada was gifted a goal to get back into the game.

Just before halftime, Canada equalized thanks to a Megan Connolly own goal. It was the worst time for Ireland to concede as all the momentum had vanished when that ball hit the back of the net. Canada came out in the second half on fire looking to win the game, and that’s just what they did. Adriana Leon scored in the 53rd minute, and Canda was able to hold off Irish attacks for an equalizer. Heading into their final matchday, Canada holds their destiny in their own hands, While Ireland could be knocked out before they even play their next World Cup match; a brutal reality for these first-timers.