Against the lowest ranked team among the 32 teams in the tournament, Japan scored an early goal in the 21st minute through Mina Tanaka. However, after a VAR check, the referee disallowed the opening goal due to Mina Tanaka's offside. It was not until the 42nd minute that Hinata Miyazawa brought the opening goal for Japan.
Tanaka (No. 11) got on the scoreboard after having his goal disallowed twice for offside.
In the second half, Mina Tanaka was once again denied by the referee after scoring against Zambia in the 50th minute due to offside. After being denied goals twice by VAR, Tanaka had to wait until 4 minutes later to celebrate a goal from a cross from a teammate and simply tap the ball into the net. Before that, Japan seemed to have been awarded a penalty but was denied for offside after a VAR check in the 52nd minute.
Japan easily defeated Zambia with a score of 5-0
With a 2-goal lead, Japan continued their momentum and scored 2 more goals in the second half by Endo Jun and Miyazawa Hinata.
After 90 minutes of play, Zambia completely huddled in defense and could not create any finishing situations towards the opponent's goal.
In the last minute of extra time, the Zambian goalkeeper made a mistake in blocking a Japanese dribble and received a red card. The Asian representative was awarded a penalty, but Ueki Riko could not take advantage of the opportunity at the 11m mark. However, the Zambian goalkeeper committed a foul and Ueki brought the 5th goal for Japan in the second chance.
In the end, Japan won 5-0 to rise to the top of Group C, surpassing Spain on goal difference with the same 3 points.
Group C of Japan and Spain will return to play in round 2 on July 26 with both matches.
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