Japan made a remarkable start in the Women’s World Cup football, defeating Zambia 5-0 in their opening match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand. Hinata Miyazawa and Mina Tanaka, Jun Endo, and Riko Yuki each scored one goal to secure a convincing victory for Japan.
However, Japan’s other two goals were not given by the VAR (Video Assistant Referee). Even though Mina Tanaka scored a goal in the 21st minute, it was disallowed by the VAR. Hinata Miyazawa’s goal in the 43rd minute gave Japan an early lead. In the second half, Japan played aggressively and scored four more goals. Mina Tanaka scored another goal in the 49th minute, but it was ruled offside by the VAR.
Japan extended their lead to 3-0 when Hinata Miyazawa scored again in the 62nd minute. Later, Jun Endo’s goal in the 71st minute sealed a 4-0 lead for Japan.
Zambia was reduced to 10 players due to an injury during the game. Goalkeeper Catherine Musonda made a foul in the penalty box, which resulted in her receiving a red card and being sent off. With the penalty awarded, Riko Yuki converted it into a goal for Japan. With this win, Japan earned three points in Group C.
In another match of Group D, European champions England secured a hard-fought victory against Haiti with a 1-0 scoreline. Georgia Stanway scored the decisive goal in the 29th minute at the Brisbane Stadium in Australia.
In Group E, the United States made a strong start, defeating newcomers Vietnam 3-0. Sophia Smith scored twice, and Leanne Horan contributed one goal to secure an easy victory for the USA.
Sophia Smith opened the scoring in the 14th minute at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Alex Morgan missed a penalty in the 44th minute for the USA. However, in the first half’s injury time, Sophia scored her second goal, giving the USA a 2-0 lead. In the 77th minute, Leanne Horan scored, securing a comfortable 3-0 win for the United States.
The matches of the Women’s World Cup have started with exciting action, and fans are eagerly awaiting more thrilling games in the tournament.
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