Reigning Spain
SOCCER
Hermoso. Hermoso then crossed the ball to forward Alexia Putellas, who was able to turn it in past Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita.
Japan, ranked third in the FIFA World Rankings, nearly had an instant response.
In the 14th minute, forward Mana Iwabuchi played a through ball to forward Yuika Sugasawa, who split between Spain’s centerbacks and was in on goal. However, goalkeeper Lola Gallardo made a diving save to deny the equalizer.
Iwabuchi then provided her moment of magic in the 44th minute. With Japan on the cusp of entering halftime down 1-0, Iwabuchi latched on to a pass from right back Risa Shimizu and then Iwabuchi slid and chipped the ball past Spanish goalkeeper Lola Gallardo. Gallardo was rooted to her spot and had no chance to make a save as the ball swooped into the net.
Iwabuchi’s goal brought a roar from the crowd and she celebrated with her teammates.
The two teams entered halftime tied at 1 thanks to Iwabuchi.
“I think that the first half, we were better, but then they scored the equalizer before the break and we had to push harder,” Putellas said through a translator. “We are working hard. We have to keep on working and try to achieve more wins.”
Spain immediately pushed for its second goal and it did not take long for them to go back up on top and seize control of the contest.
In the 48th minute, Cardona played in García, who was substituted onto the pitch in the following halftime, and García took one touch to control, another one to round Yamashita, and then was able to put the ball back into the net to give Spain a 2-1 lead.
Hermoso, Putellas, García and Cardona were among the best players on the pitch. Hermoso’s ability to pull the strings in midfield and pick out passes stood out as well as her deliveries on set pieces. Cardona was a terror on the right wing, consistently putting pressure on Japan’s backline. Putellas and García’s ability in front of goal was the difference.
García then added her second and Spain’s third in the 78th minute to seal the win, but she could have easily had a hat-trick. A few minutes after he second goal, she found herself again rounding Yamashita, but could not find the net for a third time.
Japan faces England at 2:15 p.m. Sunday at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey while Spain looks to continue to its momentum against the U.S. women’s national team on Sunday at 5 p.m. at Red Bull Arena.
“We have to improve some things in order to face the current world champions on Sunday, but I am happy with the performance of my team,” Vilda said. “Facing the USA at their home is very motivating. We will try to win.”