Spain have been one of the surprises of the Women’s World Cup. La Roja went into the tournament in disarray.
There was a major rift between the squad and head coach Jorge Vilda, and some onlookers didn’t expect much from the Spanish team at the Women’s World Cup.
🙌 ¡Entrenamiento tras cerrar nuestro pase a octavos!#JugarLucharYGanar I #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/baR6CC2CIn— Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) July 27, 2023
🙌 ¡Entrenamiento tras cerrar nuestro pase a octavos!#JugarLucharYGanar I #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/baR6CC2CIn
On Monday, Spain will wrap up their group stage, with a match against Japan in Wellington.
Japan have been equally strong in the tournament, posting two wins in Group C, scoring seven goals and conceding zero times.
The Japanese defeated Zambia 5-0 to start the tournament and followed it up with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Spain, on the other hand, blasted Costa Rica 3-0 before putting five past a helpless Zambia.
Spain’s strong World Cup group stage has them now listed as co-favourites to win the tournament alongside the United States.
Bookmakers have Spain at the best betting odds of 4.00 to win the competition.
La Roja’s group stage performances should be taken with a grain of salt. They have had two easy games thus far, easing to wins with no difficulty.
Monday’s match in Wellington will see Spain play their most difficult opponent. The result will have an impact on the knockout stages of the tournament.
Spain and Japan have played four times since 2017. The Spanish went unbeaten in all four of those fixtures, posting a record of three wins and one draw. The teams have never met in a Women’s World Cup fixture.
The last meeting between these teams was in 2022. Spain won 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal.
La Roja go into Monday’s game on an eight-game winning streak and are playing their best football.
Both managers could rotate their squads. Spain and Japan have qualified for the next phase of the Women’s World Cup. The teams are battling for the top spot in the group.
The USA will play in Spain and Japan’s side of the knockout out bracket.
Depending on where the USA qualify for the next round, Spain or Japan could avoid the Americans until the quarterfinals or semifinals.
Spain’s Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo are tied for the second-most goals in the Women’s World Cup with two.
By players scored twice against Zambia in their second match. Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa also has two goals in the tournament.
Spain have never lost to Japan and should post a fourth all-time victory over the Japanese. It should be a big win for Spain that brings Japan back to earth. Expect over 3.5 goals, as Spain keep a third straight clean sheet.