Women's World Cup 2023: First 2 teams to enter round of 16 determined after 7th match day

After two matches, Spain and Japan both won absolute victories against their opponents.

In the opening match of the 7th matchday, Japan defeated Costa Rica with a score of 2-0. The Asian representative entered the match with an overwhelming position. After many efforts, Japan scored 2 goals within 2 minutes (25 and 27) before the end of the first half. In the remaining 45 minutes, the South American representative gradually created a few opportunities but the match was almost one-sided for the Japanese players and the score of 2-0 was maintained after 90 minutes of play.

Spain and Japan early to qualify for the round of 16 of the 2023 Women's World Cup

The one-sided game of the Japanese team was shown with the number of shots up to 24, 4 times more than the opponent.

In the next match, Spain faced off against Zambia, considered the weakest team in the tournament. The Spanish team fielded their strongest squad, including the 2022 Golden Ball winner, Alexia Putellas.

Spain show strength against Zambia with 5-0 victory

After the opening whistle, the Spanish team quickly took a 2-goal lead after 15 minutes of play. In the remaining minutes, the Zambian defense played solidly and did not concede any more goals. In the remaining 45 minutes, the Japanese women's team scored 2 more goals and ended the match with a score of 4-0.

With these two results, the Spanish and Japanese teams share the first and second positions in Group C with 6 points and a difference in goal difference. Meanwhile, the remaining 2 teams, Costa Rica and Zambia, share the last 2 positions with 0 points. Therefore, the remaining matches no longer affect the top 2 positions in the group. Accordingly, Japan and Spain both won the first 2 tickets to the round of 16 at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

FIFA selected Teresa Abelleira's opening goal for Spain as the best moment of the tournament.

Canada comes from behind to beat Ireland, close to knockout stage

In the latest match of the day, Canada won against Ireland 2-1 to temporarily take the lead in Group B with 4 points, while host Australia fell to 2nd place (3 points). The remaining match of Group B, Australia and Nigeria, will take place tomorrow.

Quoc An - Photo: Reuters

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/world-cup-nu-2023-som-xac-dinh-2-doi-dau-tien-vao-vong-1-8-20230726203425492.htm