Spain And Japan Reach Women's World Cup Quarter-Finals After Convincing Wins

Author:
Robert Summerscales
Publish date:
Aug 5, 2023 7:22 AM EDT

Spain became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup by thrashing Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16 on Saturday.

Aitana Bonmati netted two goals for Spain, while Alba Redondo, Laia Codina and Jennifer Hermoso also found the net in Auckland.

Codina's strike came after she had scored a long-range own goal with a 40-yard back-pass that evaded Spain keeper Cata Coll.

Spain's quarter-final opponents will be the winner of Sunday's game between South Africa and the Netherlands.

Highlights: Switzerland 1-5 Spain

Japan joined Spain in the quarter-finals by beating Norway 3-1 in Saturday's other game.

The 2011 champions were excellent value for their victory in Wellington, where they registered 16 shots to Norway's eight.

Japan took the lead 15 minutes into the game courtesy of an own goal from Syrstad Engen, who deflected a Hinata Miyazawa cross into the net.

Chelsea midfielder Guro Reiten equalized for Norway with a fine header five minutes later, but Risa Shimizu restored Japan's lead early in the second half following an error by Vilde Boe Risa.

Miyazawa then wrapped up Japan's win by scoring her fifth goal of the tournament with a cool finish in the 81st minute.

Japan will face either Sweden or the USA in the last eight.