Japan made a statement in their opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, crushing Zambia 5-0 at Waikato Stadium.
The Nadeshiko started brightly and came close to opening the scoring early on when Aoba Fujina’s shot hit the post. Mina Tanaka then thought she had scored, but her effort was ruled out for offside.
Japan eventually broke the deadlock just before half-time, when Hinata Miyazawa swept home a cross from Fujina.
Tanaka doubled the lead early in the second half, and Miyazawa added her second soon after. Jun Endo then got in on the act, before Riko Ueki scored a late penalty after Zambia goalkeeper Catherine Musonda was sent off.
The win puts Japan top of Group C, and they will be confident of progressing to the knockout stages.
Miyazawa Stars as Japan Run Riot
Hinata Miyazawa was the star of the show for Japan, scoring two goals and setting up another. The 22-year-old forward is one of the most promising players in the world, and she showed her quality against Zambia.
Tanaka also impressed, scoring two goals and providing an assist. The 25-year-old is a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the front line.
Endo and Ueki also got on the scoresheet, and Japan will be hoping they can continue their good form in their next match against Cameroon.
Zambia Suffer Heavy Defeat
Zambia were never in the game after conceding the first goal, and they will be disappointed with their performance. The Copper Queens will need to improve if they want to avoid a similar result in their next match against Cameroon.
Musonda’s sending off was a turning point in the match, and her absence will be a big blow for Zambia. The goalkeeper was one of their best players in the build-up to the tournament, and her loss will be hard to replace.
Overall, it was a comprehensive victory for Japan, and they will be confident of going far in the tournament. Zambia, on the other hand, will need to improve if they want to avoid an early exit.
