Umpires:
 

GOALS

To secure their place in one of the semi-finals Spain had to get one point today. The team started aggressive and tried to put pressure onto the Japanese defense. Japan had problems to deal with that situation in the beginning, but eventually found into their game.

Shock for Spain in the 14th minute. Despite Spain being the stronger team the Japanese Squad managed to score the first goal. Sakamoto drove into the D and found Katayama, who simply had to push the ball into the empty goal. This goal turned the game upside down.

Spain even more aggressive now, but had to be careful not to run into Japanese counter attacks. In the 22nd minute the equalizer for Spain. S Freixa hit the ball towards the long post and Amat simply had to push the goal into the back of the net, 1:1.

Both teams had a few strong minutes at the end of the first half, but Spain did not manage to take advantage of two short corners.

Spain started the second half very aggressive and won a corner in the 36th minute, which was saved by Miyoshi, the Japanese goal keeper. In the 43rd minute the third goal for Spain. A pass from Tubau found S. Freixa, his first shot was saved, but the second shot went straight under the bar of the goal. No chance for the keeper. At this point Japan was already a man down due to a yellow card for Tsoubouchi who fouled a Spanish player.

Japan equalized in the 48th minute. The goal was given by the video umpire. A long pass into the Spanish circle could just be reached by Katayama. The equalizer for Japan.

Spain was nervous now and started debating with the umpires regularly. However, the Spanish team found the net for the 3rd time in 58th minute. A. Fabregas passed to the long post where S. Freixa was waiting and he only had to push the ball into the back of the net. But Spain wanted more and kept the pressure up. In the 66th minute the fourth goal for Spain. A fast break by Spain over Amat, S. Freixa and D. Alegre found the back of the net, finished by S. Freixa.

A deserved win for Spain, but the team had to fight hard for the three points. Japan played well and Spain will need to pick up their game again if they want to win the World Cup.