Japan beat Spain to book last-16 Norway tie

July 31: Japan showed why they are serious contenders at the Women's World Cup by hammering Spain to finish top of Group C and book a last-16 showdown with Norway.

The 2011 world champions made it look easy by scoring three times before half-time, with Hinata Miyazawa getting two to take her tally to four goals and become the tournament's leading scorer.

The attacking midfielder put Japan ahead with a calm finish after Spain's defence had been exposed before Riko Ueki doubled the lead with a deflected finish that looped into the net.

Miyazawa, who scored two in Japan's opening group game against Zambia, made it 3-0 by firing across goal and into the net in front of a crowd of 20,957.

Substitute Mina Tanaka added to Spain's pain with a fourth goal in the 82nd minute.

(BBC)