Spain arrived at the match against Japan unbeaten. They had not conceded a goal in either of the two previous games and Japan arrived in the same situation. This was the acid test. The Asian team was the real difficult rival. He came out very compact at the back and did a great job preventing Spain from finding spaces to create danger.
Japan took the lead early on the scoreboard with a goal from Miyazawa in the 11th minute. It was a jug of cold water for the Spanish team, who couldn’t get into the game. In two passes the Asian team connected with Miyazawa and she managed to beat Misa. It was the first goal that Spain conceded in the entire competition. And although the team Wild For being better on the pitch, Japan was being more accurate.
Despite going behind on the scoreboard, the team tried to progress in the game, but Japan was very clear about their strategy, to continue covering all the spaces that Spain was trying to influence.
In minute 28 came the second goal for the Japanese. Ueki scored after a defensive error by Spain against Japan. The Asian player stood in front of Misa’s goal and didn’t miss.
Despite going two goals behind, the Spanish team kept trying with a couple of plays that did not pose too much danger to the Japanese goalkeeper. But the nightmare for Vilda’s was not over. In minute 39 came the third goal that sentenced the game, although the second half still remained to be played.