ShopnoSports News

Japan claimed top spot in World Cup Group C ahead of Spain after condemning them to a remarkable 4-0 thrashing in Wellington with some superb counter-attacking play.

Both sides went into the game having already qualified for the last 16 on six points apiece, with Spain leading on goal difference, but Jorge Vilda’s side were left stunned in the first half as they bossed possession only to see their opponents score three times.

Japan’s impressive World Cup form continued as a convincing 2-0 victory over Costa Rica strengthened their Group C qualification bid.

First-half strikes from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino saw the 2011 champions build on last week’s 5-0 opening game win over Zambia with a free-flowing show in Dunedin.

Japan made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign as they strolled to a 5-0 Group C victory over Zambia at Waikato Stadium.

Futoshi Ikeda’s side made a positive start and twice went close in the early stages through Aoba Fujino, who saw one effort superbly saved by goalkeeper Catherine Musonda before seeing a second attempt at goal come back off the post.

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has extended his contract with the national side following a successful performance at the World Cup in Qatar.

The Samurai Blue were one of the tournament's surprise packages, beating Germany and Spain in the group stages to top Group E, before suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat to Croatia in the last 16.

Dejan Lovren believes Croatia showed the world – including former team-mate Mohamed Salah – they were not "lucky" at Russia 2018 by returning to the World Cup quarter-finals on Monday.

Croatia reached the final of the previous tournament, losing 4-2 to France, although they had to go through penalty shootouts against Denmark and Russia, then extra time against England.