By Razeen Gutta
Big round of 16 wins at the Fifa Women’s World Cup ensured the first two last eight spots were booked, with Switzerland and Norway falling victim to some excellent displays.
Four first-half goals included an Aitana Bonmati double for Spain before Jenifer Hermoso made it 5-1 to put the icing on the cake in the second half.
The Swiss managed just two attempts during the course of the game, keeping only 30% of the ball, as the Spanish outclassed them in all departments.
In the second game, Hinata Miyazawa made history as the 23-year-old midfielder equalled Homare Sawa’s single tournament record for most goals as she netted her fifth of the competition.
Norway could not ride off the confidence their 6-0 drubbing of the Philippines may have brought, with Ingrid Engen scoring an own goal early on to make for a difficult start to proceedings.
Chelsea’s Guro Reiten equalised on the 20-minute mark, however, the second period was all Japan Risa Shimizu put them back in front before Miyazawa sealed the win.
Japan, winners in 2011, will now face either defending champions USA or Sweden in the next round while Spain will contest their first-ever quarter-final against either Banyana Banyana or the Netherlands.
Pictured above: Hinata Miyazawa
Image source: @FIFAWWC
