Full Time in Waikato Stadium where Japan have beaten Zambia by five goals to nil in their World Cup opener this morning. Japan piled on the pressure from the onset, breaking the deadlock in the 42^nd minute, and never looked back.

Heading into today’s match, 2011 World Cup winners and 2015 finalists Japan were heavy favourites against the tournament newcomers in the form of Zambia, and it was the former champions that took control of the game from the first whistle.

Japan dominated the possession throughout the game, using their experience to suffocate Zambia of any time on the ball. Their excellent passing was on full display this morning, with cross-field passes regularly causing disruption and chaos for the Zambian defence.

Japan had the ball in the back of the net in the 20^th minute, however the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, goal-scorer Mina Tinaka straying offside in the build-up. To be fair to Tinaka, she did not touch the ball whilst in an offside position, but she was deemed to have interfered with play. It was relief for Zambia, who were grateful that the goal had been disallowed.

Zambia performed well defensively to keep Japan at bay for the majority of the first half, but they finally cracked in the 42^nd minute. Tinaka found herself on her right flank with an abundance of time and space, allowing the winger to whip an excellent cross into the box, where it was met by the right boot of Hinata Miyazawa. The 23-year-old midfielder controlled her strike perfectly, powering the ball past Catherine Musonda in the Zambian net to give Japan the lead in this game.

Miyazawa’s strike was Japan’s ninth shot attempt on goal in the opening 45 minutes, their fourth on target, emphasising their control over the game.

After scoring their goal, Japan looked to put the game to bed before half time and were piling the pressure on the Zambian defence, who were begging for half time; It was a miracle that Zambia’s deficit was just the one goal.

Japan came out strong out of the blocks after half time, and thought they had doubled their lead inside the opening four minutes, only for it to be ruled out for offside for a second time in this game, and the second time Tinaka had thought she had scored! Just one minute later, Japan were awarded a penalty following a clumsy tackle from Zambia goalkeeper Musonda inside the box, but again VAR stepped in to deny the penalty following an offside in the build-up; this time it was Jun Endo who was offside. Zambia were counting their lucky stars!

It was only a matter of time before Japan doubled their lead, and in the 54^th minute Mina Tinaka put the ball in the back of the net for the third time this morning, and her goal wasn’t ruled out for offside this time! Jun Endo had timed her run to perfection this time, and had played a wonderful cross into the Zambian box, where Tinaka found herself wide open for a first-time finish past Musonda in goal. Tinaka waited for her goal to be checked by VAR before celebrating this time, and was visibly delighted that she had finally got on the score-sheet on her third attempt.

Just seven minutes later, it was 3-0 to Japan, Tinaka the assist maker this time. After a long throw, Tinaka did extremely well to prevent the ball from crossing the line and fired a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. Musonda tried to anticipate the cross, and dived out to reach the low cross, but she fell short, allowing Mizyawa an easy tap-in for her second of the night.

Before long it was 4-0 to Japan, this time Jun Endo getting her name on the scoresheet. Endo was played in on goal by a wonderful first-time pass from Yui Hasegawa, who set up her teammate one-on-one with the goalkeeper from the left-hand side. Endo’s shot powered past Musonda’s left hand and nestled into the back of the net.

Japan were awarded a penalty in the 7^th minute of added time after Musonda fouled inside the box again and was shown a second yellow card, and thus a red card. Eunice Sakala was brought on for the penalty, and produced a wonderful save, however VAR spotted she was off her line and so the penalty was retaken. Riko Ueki stepped up again and slotted the ball easily into the bottom right corner to make it 5.

Japan were far too strong for Zambia this morning, showing their class and experience in this opening fixture. Tinaka was excellent, getting herself two assists and a goal, although she could have had three! Zambia produced a spirited performance but ultimately came up short against a brilliant Japanese team who kept them at bay.

Japan now sit top of Group C on goal difference. Next up, Japan play Costa Rica, whilst Zambia face Spain.

Full Time in Waikaito Stadium, Zambia 0-5 Japan