Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 recap Japan v Spain in Wellington

Spain take on Japan to decide who finishes top of group C. Photo / AP

All the action from the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 clash between Japan and Spain in Wellington.

Japan and Spain square off in the Group C decider that pits two tournament heavyweights against each other in a Monday match between serious tournament contenders.

Both teams are undefeated headed into the match in Wellington, where the top spot in the group will be decided. Spain has rolled to a 3-0 win over Costa Rica and a 5-0 rout of Zambia, while Japan has logged a 5-0 win over Zambia and a 2-0 win over Costa Rica.

Spain has a one-goal edge in the tiebreaker headed into the showdown.

“They’re very good, and I respect the team very much,” Japanese defender Moeki Minami said of Spain. “In Europe, they play in a similar style to as a Japan team. Therefore, having a similar type of performance, I think we will have a very interesting match.”

Japan, winners of the 2011 World Cup, has won five of its six previous games. The last three wins have been by a combined 12-0 score.

Spain has recorded eight consecutive wins since it dropped a 3-2 match to Australia in February. Spain has scored 27 goals in that span with seven clean sheets.