Day seven at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw Japan and Spain reach the knockout stages, while Republic of Ireland’s hopes were ended.
Japan looked to have secured their progress from Group C, after comfortably defeating Costa Rica 2-0, the result of the day’s second game confirmed their top-two spot.
Japan struck twice in quick succession before the half-hour mark, Mina Tanaka with both assists. She crossed for Hikaru Naomoto to finish and her header was kept in play by Aoba Fujino before beating overworked keeper Daniela Solera on her near post.
The clash of Spain and Japan will decide the group winners after La Roja beat Zambia
Jenni Hermoso set up Teresa Abelleira to blast home from 25 yards, before marking her 100th cap with a headed goal from an Alexia Putellas cross.
Hermoso doubled her tally after the break, Alba Redondo also bagging a brace as Eva Navarro assisted in both.
Canada’s keeper Kailen Sheridan makes a save against Ireland. (Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images)
Canada came from behind to edged Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Group B and end Irish hopes of going through to the last sixteen.
Just four minutes in, Katie McCabe’s corner kick flew straight in but a Megan Connolly own-goal from a cross in first-half added time levelled the scores.
Adriana Leon got past McCabe to give Canada a 53rd-minute lead, with Ireland unable to find an equaliser.
Fixtures for Thursday 27 July (UK times)
2am – Group E – USA v Netherlands (live on BBC1/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport website)
8.30am – Group E – Portugal v Vietnam (live on ITV1/STV/ITVX/STV Player)
11am – Group B – Australia v Nigeria (live on BBC2/BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport website)
